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Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju Mar 2021In 2018, some sartan medicinal products were reported to be contaminated with nitrosamine compounds, which are potent mutagenic carcinogens. Two nitrosamines received... (Review)
Review
In 2018, some sartan medicinal products were reported to be contaminated with nitrosamine compounds, which are potent mutagenic carcinogens. Two nitrosamines received particular attention: -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and -nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). These have since been confirmed in different types of medicinal products, including ranitidine and metformin. Consequently, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) started an investigation into the cause of contamination and an assessment of the risk to patients taking contaminated medicinal products. The main source of contamination were changes in production, which involves combinations of amines and nitrogen compounds and the use of specific catalysts and reagents. Withdrawals of medicinal products that took place in Croatia did not lead to a shortage of sartan- or metformin-containing medicines. Moreover, ranitidine had been preventively withdrawn all over the EU, including Croatia, creating shortages at the time, but was subsequently replaced with therapeutic alternatives.
Topics: Carcinogens; Diethylnitrosamine; Dimethylnitrosamine; Drug Contamination; Humans; Nitrosamines
PubMed: 33787187
DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2021-72-3491 -
Cancer Research Jul 2021Exploiting cancer metabolism for the clinical benefit of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a topic under active investigation. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase...
Exploiting cancer metabolism for the clinical benefit of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a topic under active investigation. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 48 (USP48), a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family, is involved in tumor growth, inflammation, and genome stability. However, the role of USP48 in HCC tumorigenesis remains unknown. In this study, we report that expression of USP48 is downregulated in diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumorigenesis in mice as well as in human HCC. USP48 physically bound and stabilized SIRT6 by K48-linked deubiquitination at the K33 and K128 sites of SIRT6, which impeded metabolic reprogramming to hamper HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, methyltransferase-like 14 (Mettl14)-induced mA modification participated in the regulation of USP48 in HCC by maintaining USP48 mRNA stability. Our work uncovers the tumor-suppressive function of the Mettl14-USP48-SIRT6 axis via modulation of glycolysis, providing new insights into the critical roles of metabolic activities in HCC and identifying an attractive target for future treatment studies. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that USP48 is regulated by Mettl14-induced mA modification and stabilizes SIRT6 to attenuate HCC glycolysis and malignancy.
Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Methyltransferases; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Sirtuins; Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases; Up-Regulation
PubMed: 33903120
DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-4163 -
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and... Jan 2022Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been associated with increased risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, a highly incident malignant neoplasia worldwide. On the...
Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been associated with increased risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, a highly incident malignant neoplasia worldwide. On the other hand, VD supplementation has shown some beneficial effects in clinical studies and rodent models of chronic liver disease. However, preventive effects of dietary VD supplementation in cirrhosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis is still unknow. To investigate this purpose, male Wistar rats submitted to a combined diethylnitrosamine- and thioacetamide-induced model were concomitantly supplemented with VD (5,000 and 10,000 IU/kg diet) for 25 weeks. Liver samples were collected for histological, biochemical and molecular analysis. Serum samples were used to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and alanine aminotransferase levels. Both VD interventions decreased hepatic collagen deposition and pro-inflammatory p65 protein levels, while increased hepatic antioxidant catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and serum 25(OH)D, without a clear dose-response effect. Nonetheless, only the highest concentration of VD increased hepatic protein levels of VD receptor, while decreased the number of large preneoplastic glutathione-S-transferase- (>0.5 mm²) and keratin 8/18-positive lesions, as well the multiplicity of hepatocellular adenomas. Moreover, this intervention increased hepatic antioxidant Nrf2 protein levels and glutathione-S-transferase activity. In summary, dietary VD supplementation - in special the highest intervention - showed antifibrotic and antineoplastic properties in chemically-induced cirrhosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. The positive modulation of Nrf2 antioxidant axis may be mechanistically involved with these beneficial effects, and may guide future clinical studies.
Topics: Adenoma, Liver Cell; Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Catalase; Chemoprevention; Collagen; Dietary Supplements; Diethylnitrosamine; Gene Expression Regulation; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Transferase; Keratins; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Neoplasms; Male; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Neoplasm Proteins; Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Calcitriol; Thioacetamide; Vitamin D
PubMed: 34774723
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.106022 -
Cancers Oct 2021The microRNA 21 (miR-21) is upregulated in almost all known human cancers and is considered a highly potent oncogene and potential therapeutic target for cancer...
The microRNA 21 (miR-21) is upregulated in almost all known human cancers and is considered a highly potent oncogene and potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In the liver, miR-21 was reported to promote hepatic steatosis and inflammation, but whether miR-21 also drives hepatocarcinogenesis remains poorly investigated in vivo. Here we show using both carcinogen (Diethylnitrosamine, DEN) or genetically (PTEN deficiency)-induced mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), total or hepatocyte-specific genetic deletion of this microRNA fosters HCC development-contrasting the expected oncogenic role of miR-21. Gene and protein expression analyses of mouse liver tissues further indicate that total or hepatocyte-specific miR-21 deficiency is associated with an increased expression of oncogenes such as , subtle deregulations of the MAPK, HiPPO, and STAT3 signaling pathways, as well as alterations of the inflammatory/immune anti-tumoral responses in the liver. Together, our data show that miR-21 deficiency promotes a pro-tumoral microenvironment, which over time fosters HCC development via pleiotropic and complex mechanisms. These results question the current dogma of miR-21 being a potent oncomiR in the liver and call for cautiousness when considering miR-21 inhibition for therapeutic purposes in HCC.
PubMed: 34638467
DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194983 -
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics Sep 2023Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is an enzyme, primarily involved in the metabolism of...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is an enzyme, primarily involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and procarcinogens. The present study was designed to investigate the potential role of CYP2E1 triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress in the progression of HCC through inhibition of apoptosis. In vitro CYP2E1 promotes HepG2 cell migration, reduced chromatin condensation, enhanced intracellular ROS accumulation and induce cell cycle progression. Conversely this effect was averted by CYP2E1 siRNA, selective inhibitor Diallyl sulphide (DAS) and antioxidants (vitamin C and E). In vivo Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced HCC rats showed decreased body weight and increased relative liver weight. Moreover, macro trabecular-massive HCC (MTM-HCC) histological subtyping showed pathological features like well-differentiated tumors, micro-trabecular and pseudo glandular patterns, megakaryocytes and cholestasis. Masson's trichrome staining revealed an intensive accumulation of collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Increased CYP2E1, VEGF and PCNA enhance the carcinogenicity as revealed in immunohistochemistry results. Immunoblot analysis showed reduced expression of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in cytosolic as well as mitochondrial fraction of rat liver tissue respectively. Also, increased level of CYP2E1 stimulated the upregulation of unfolded proteins response (UPR) and ER stress-related proteins such as Glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP). Meanwhile, CYP2E1 stimulated ER-stress reduces BCL2 and downregulates the cleaved caspase 3 thus suppresses apoptosis. in. Furthermore, immunofluorescence revealed increased expression level of α-SMA in the HCC rat liver tissue. The level of CYP2E1 mRNA was significantly increased. Altogether, these findings indicate that CYP2E1 has a dynamic role in the pathogenesis of HCC and might be a budding agent in liver carcinogenesis therapy.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Activating Transcription Factor 6; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Heat-Shock Proteins; Liver Neoplasms; Transcription Factors; Transcription Factor CHOP; Humans
PubMed: 37499993
DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109701 -
Nature Communications Sep 2021Although psycho-social stress is a well-known factor that contributes to the development of cancer, it remains largely unclear whether and how environmental eustress...
Although psycho-social stress is a well-known factor that contributes to the development of cancer, it remains largely unclear whether and how environmental eustress influences malignant diseases and regulates cancer-related therapeutic responses. Using an established eustress model, we demonstrate that mice living in an enriched environment (EE) are protected from carcinogen-induced liver neoplasia and transplantable syngeneic liver tumors, owning to a CD8 T cell-dependent tumor control. We identify a peripheral Neuro-Endocrine-Immune pathway in eustress, including Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)/β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs)/CCL2 that relieves tumor immunosuppression and overcomes PD-L1 resistance to immunotherapy. Notably, EE activates peripheral SNS and β-ARs signaling in tumor cells and tumor infiltrated myeloid cells, leading to suppression of CCL2 expression and activation of anti-tumor immunity. Either blockade of CCL2/CCR2 or β-AR signaling in EE mice lose the tumor protection capability. Our study reveales that environmental eustress via EE stimulates anti-tumor immunity, resulting in more efficient tumor control and a better outcome of immunotherapy.
Topics: Animals; B7-H1 Antigen; Carbon Tetrachloride; Chemokine CCL2; Diethylnitrosamine; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Hepatic Stellate Cells; Hepatocytes; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Liver; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Mice; Neuroimmunomodulation; Organoids; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; Receptors, CCR2; Signal Transduction; Stress, Psychological; Sympathetic Nervous System; Tumor Escape; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 34593796
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25967-9 -
Biomolecules Dec 2023Exosomes are essential for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and have garnered significant interest as novel targets for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic...
BACKGROUND
Exosomes are essential for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and have garnered significant interest as novel targets for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches. This study aims to identify potential exosome-related biomarkers for the development of useful strategies for HCC diagnosis and therapy.
METHODS
Three datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC. Through Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, overall survival (OS) analysis, Cox analyses, and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model detection, exosome-related hub gene was screened out, followed by a prognostic value assessment and immune-correlates analysis based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The hub gene-containing exosomes derived from Hepa1-6 cells were isolated and characterized using differential ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy scanning, and Western blot. Ultrasound-guided intrahepatic injection, cell co-culture, CCK-8, and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the effects of the hub gene on macrophage infiltration and polarization in HCC.
RESULTS
A total of 83 DEGs enriched in the extracellular exosome term, among which, FTCD, HRA, and C8B showed the strongest association with the progression of HCC. FTCD was independently associated with a protective effect in HCC and selected as the hub gene. The presence of FTCD in exosomes was confirmed. FTCD-stimulated macrophages were polarized towards the M1 type and suppressed HCC cells proliferation.
CONCLUSIONS
FTCD is a potential exosome-related biomarker for HCC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The crosstalk between FTCD-containing exosomes and macrophages in HCC progression deserves further investigation.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Blotting, Western; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Exosomes; Liver Neoplasms; Mice, Inbred Strains; Glutamate Formimidoyltransferase
PubMed: 38254641
DOI: 10.3390/biom14010041 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Mar 2022Aidi injection (ADI), a traditional chinese medicine preparation, is widely used in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of various malignant tumors, such as...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Aidi injection (ADI), a traditional chinese medicine preparation, is widely used in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of various malignant tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies have shown that changes in cytochrome P450 (CYP450) activity in disease states would affect the metabolism of drugs in vivo, especially liver diseases. However, the changes of Aidi injection on the activities of CYP2D4, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP3A2, CYP2E1 and CYP2C11 in normal and HCC states are still unknown.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The cocktail probe drugs method was used to investigate the effects of ADI on the activity of CYP2D4, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP3A2, CYP2E1 and CYP2C11 in normal and HCC rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The HCC rats was induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Then, both normal and HCC rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 6). They were given saline or ADI (10 mL/kg/d, i.p) for 2 weeks, respectively. On the fifteenth day, cocktail probe mixing solution, including metoprolol (10 mg/kg), caffeine (1.0 mg/kg), omeprazole (2.0 mg/kg), midazolam (2.0 mg/kg), chlorzoxazone (4.0 mg/kg) and tolbutamide (0.5 mg/kg), was injected into tail vein of all rats in each group. The blood sample was obtained at specified time. After the protein is precipitated, six probe drugs are analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).
RESULTS
Compared with control group, the activity of CYP3A2 and CYP2E1 was significantly lower in the ADI group. Compared with the model group, the activities of CYP1A2, CYP3A2, CYP2E1, and CYP2C11 enzymes in the ADI model group were significantly reduced. Additionally, the activity of CYP2D4, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP3A2, CYP2E1 and CYP2C11 enzymes in model group was significantly lower than control group.
CONCLUSIONS
ADI can inhibit a lot of CYP450 enzyme, so it may reduce the dosage of chemotherapeutic drugs to reach the required plasma concentration of chemotherapeutic drugs, which is of great significance for the combination of anti-tumor chemotherapeutic drugs and is worthy of further in-depth study and clinical attention.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chromatography, Liquid; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Diethylnitrosamine; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Herb-Drug Interactions; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 34952190
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114930 -
Nature Genetics Jun 2020During aging, progenitor cells acquire mutations, which may generate clones that colonize the surrounding tissue. By middle age, normal human tissues, including the...
During aging, progenitor cells acquire mutations, which may generate clones that colonize the surrounding tissue. By middle age, normal human tissues, including the esophageal epithelium (EE), become a patchwork of mutant clones. Despite their relevance for understanding aging and cancer, the processes that underpin mutational selection in normal tissues remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated this issue in the esophageal epithelium of mutagen-treated mice. Deep sequencing identified numerous mutant clones with multiple genes under positive selection, including Notch1, Notch2 and Trp53, which are also selected in human esophageal epithelium. Transgenic lineage tracing revealed strong clonal competition that evolved over time. Clone dynamics were consistent with a simple model in which the proliferative advantage conferred by positively selected mutations depends on the nature of the neighboring cells. When clones with similar competitive fitness collide, mutant cell fate reverts towards homeostasis, a constraint that explains how selection operates in normal-appearing epithelium.
Topics: ADAM10 Protein; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases; Animals; Cell Lineage; Diethylnitrosamine; Epithelium; Esophagus; Female; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Male; Membrane Proteins; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Mutation; Receptor, Notch1; Receptor, Notch2; Reproducibility of Results; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 32424351
DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-0624-3 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2022The extracellular matrix proteoglycan SPOCK1 is increasingly recognized as a contributor to the development and progression of cancers. Here, we study how SPOCK1, which...
The extracellular matrix proteoglycan SPOCK1 is increasingly recognized as a contributor to the development and progression of cancers. Here, we study how SPOCK1, which is present in non-tumorous hepatocytes at low concentrations, promotes the development and progression of malignant hepatocellular tumors. Although SPOCK1 is an extracellular matrix proteoglycan, its concentration increases in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes starting with very low expression in the normal cells and then appearing in much higher quantities in cells of cirrhotic human liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. This observation is similar to that observed after diethylnitrosamine induction of mouse hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, syndecan-1, the major proteoglycan of the liver, and SPOCK1 are in inverse correlation in the course of these events. In hepatoma cell lines, the cytoplasmic SPOCK1 colocalized with mitochondrial markers, such as MitoTracker and TOMM20, a characteristic protein of the outer membrane of the mitochondrion and could be detected in the cell nucleus. SPOCK1 downregulation of hepatoma cell lines by siRNA inhibited cell proliferation, upregulated p21 and p27, and interfered with pAkt and CDK4 expression. A tyrosine kinase array revealed that inhibition of SPOCK1 in the liver cancer cells altered MAPK signaling and downregulated several members of the Sarc family, all related to the aggressivity of the hepatoma cell lines. These studies support the idea that SPOCK1 enhancement in the liver is an active contributor to human and rodent hepatocarcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, its mitochondrial localization raises the possibility that it has a currently unidentified physiological function in normal hepatocytes.
PubMed: 35186754
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.819883