Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minjun Li, Juntao Huang, Guohua Zhan, Yuankuan Li, Chunye Fang, Bangde Xiang
Summary: A gene signature related to natural killer (NK) cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was developed using single-cell transcriptome data analysis. Patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on their NK-cell-related gene risk scores. The high-risk group had worse prognoses, lower immune cell infiltration levels, and were more likely to be in an immunosuppressive state.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Shuai Wang, Qinchuan Wu, Tianchi Chen, Rong Su, Caixu Pan, Junjie Qian, Hechen Huang, Shengyong Yin, Haiyang Xie, Lin Zhou, Shusen Zheng
Summary: In addition to the classical DC-T cell axis, CD47 blockade significantly enhances the ability of CD103(+) DCs to take up tumor DNA, resulting in the stimulation of the cGAS-STING pathway and the promotion of NK cell infiltration and activation in liver cancer.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Baige Yao, Qinglan Yang, Yao Yang, Yana Li, Hongyan Peng, Shuting Wu, Lili Wang, Shuju Zhang, Minghui Huang, Erqiang Wang, Peiwen Xiong, Ting Luo, Liping Li, Sujie Jia, Yafei Deng, Youcai Deng
Summary: The study identified Daphnetin as a natural product capable of promoting human NK cell activation via the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in the presence of IL-12, also enhancing its direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells. The findings suggest a potential application for Daphnetin as a complementary immunomodulator in cancer treatments.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Emily Feng, Jonathan K. Monteiro, Ana L. Portillo, Elizabeth Balint, Ali A. Ashkar
Summary: Regulation of immune responses during viral infection is critical to prevent immunopathology. NK cells not only promote viral clearance but also limit immune-mediated tissue damage. Our study reveals the immunoregulatory function of NK cells in suppressing IL-6-mediated pathogenic responses in macrophages, highlighting the potential of NK cell therapy for severe viral infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yoojin Lee, Heewook Shin, Jongsun Kim
Summary: The study found that resveratrol effectively activates NK cells, increasing their cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma secretion, suggesting it may be a promising candidate for anti-cancer and anti-metastatic drugs.
JOURNAL OF INNATE IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Alessandra Zecca, Valeria Barili, Danila Rizzo, Andrea Olivani, Elisabetta Biasini, Diletta Laccabue, Raffaele Dalla Valle, Carlo Ferrari, Elisabetta Cariani, Gabriele Missale
Summary: The study identified different subsets of NK cells infiltrating HCC, including non-liver-resident cells that coexpressed CD49a and Eomes, showing reduced cytotoxic potential. This NK cell subset likely plays a regulatory role in proangiogenic function.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huiyu Yang, Suliman Khan, Aimin Sun, Qian Bai, Haowei Cheng, Keivan Akhtari
Summary: The research investigated the thermodynamic parameters and conformational stability of IFN-gamma in the presence of calycosin, an active compound in Radix astragali, and found that their interaction enhanced the anticancer effects of IFN-gamma, showing significant antiproliferative effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells through caspase activation. This data may provide valuable insights for the development of therapeutic platforms based on IFN-gamma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yao Yang, Shaopin She, Liying Ren, Bigeng Zhao, Dongbo Chen, Hongsong Chen
Summary: In this study, NK cell marker genes of HCC were identified and a prognostic signature (NKPS) was developed for risk stratification and prognosis prediction. The predictive value of NKPS in prognosis was validated in different clinical subgroups and external datasets. Functional analysis revealed the association of NKPS with basic cellular processes in HCC. NKPS showed an excellent predictive value for prognosis and therapeutic responses, and provided insights into better management strategies for HCC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jianguo Xu, Zumei Liu, Ke He, Guoan Xiang
Summary: The study modified IKDC isolated from the murine spleen with T-bet lentiviral transduction to enhance its cytotoxicity against HCC, resulting in the first acquired T-bet-IKDC. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor effects of T-bet-IKDC against H22 cells, suggesting a potential application in future immunotherapy for HCC.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Xian Lu, Chun Xu, Jie Dong, Shuguang Zuo, Hailin Zhang, Chunping Jiang, Junhua Wu, Jiwu Wei
Summary: The study revealed that liraglutide can enhance antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma patients by improving NK-mediated cytotoxicity and suppressing the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, indicating a novel therapeutic role of liraglutide in cancer therapy through manipulation of innate immunity.
TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marisa Market, Gayashan Tennakoon, Marlena Scaffidi, David P. Cook, Leonard Angka, Juliana Ng, Christiano Tanese de Souza, Michael A. Kennedy, Barbara C. Vanderhyden, Rebecca C. Auer
Summary: Alterations in the TGF-β signaling pathway postoperatively contribute to NK cell dysfunction, characterized by decreased cytotoxicity and IFNγ production. This dysfunction may involve changes in both the canonical and mTOR pathways downstream of TGF-β.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Stefania Mantovani, Stefania Varchetta, Dalila Mele, Roberta Maiello, Matteo Donadon, Cristiana Soldani, Barbara Franceschini, Guido Torzilli, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Marcello Maestri, Gaetano Piccolo, Matteo Barabino, Enrico Opocher, Stefano Bernuzzi, Mario U. Mondelli, Barbara Oliviero
Summary: This study focuses on the role of the DNAM-1/CD155 axis in mediating the NK cell response in HCC. Evidence of alterations in the axis leading to impaired NK cell cytotoxic function is provided, suggesting a potential mechanism for tumor escape and a target for new immunotherapeutic approaches.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shuo Li, Hongbo Du, Da'nan Gan, Xiaoke Li, Xiaobin Zao, Yong'an Ye
Summary: In this study, a predictive model based on NK cell-related genes was constructed for prognosis prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The effectiveness of the model was validated using various methods, and prognosis-related genes were identified. The results of this study suggest that utilizing NK cell-related genes as innovative biomarkers may improve the prognosis assessment of HCC.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Jun-Shuai Xue, Zi-Niu Ding, Guang-Xiao Meng, Lun-Jie Yan, Hui Liu, Hai-Chao Li, Sheng-Yu Yao, Bao-Wen Tian, Zhao-Ru Dong, Zhi-Qiang Chen, Jian-Guo Hong, Dong-Xu Wang, Tao Li
Summary: NK cells and their inhibitory receptors have prognostic value for HCC, with high levels of NK cells associated with better overall survival and disease-free survival. The prognostic role of NK cell activating receptors remains unclear.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Jin Sun Cho, Kieun Seon, Min-Yu Kim, Sang Wun Kim, Young Chul Yoo
Summary: Perioperative dexmedetomidine did not have favorable impacts on immune function, inflammatory response, or prognosis in uterine cancer surgery patients, but it increased interferon-gamma levels and reduced pain severity and opioid consumption in the early postoperative period.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dongtak Lee, Hyo Gi Jung, Dongsung Park, Junho Bang, Ji Hye Hong, Sang Won Lee, Seokbeom Roh, Jae Won Jang, Yonghwan Kim, Kyo Seon Hwang, Young-Sun Lee, Jae-Yong Park, In Duk Jung, Jeong Hoon Lee, Gyudo Lee, Dae Sung Yoon
Summary: We have developed a drug screening platform using amyloid-shelled gold nanocomplexes (ASGNs) to monitor the efficacy of alpha S-oligomer-degrading drugs. This platform mimics the in vivo generation process of pathological alpha S oligomers and has been tested using alpha S-degrading proteases and various small molecular substances with efficacy in PD treatment. Our results demonstrate that the ASGN-based in vitro platform has strong potential for discovering effective alpha S-oligomer-targeting drugs, thus reducing the attrition problem in drug discovery for PD treatment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hyung Joon Yim, Tae Hyung Kim, Sang Jun Suh, Sun Young Yim, Young Kul Jung, Yeon Seok Seo, Seong Hee Kang, Moon Young Kim, Soon Koo Baik, Hong Soo Kim, Young Seok Kim, Soo Young Park, Byung Ik Kim, Jun Yong Park, Jeong Heo, Joo Hyun Sohn, Nae-Yun Heo, Kwang-Hyub Han, Soon Ho Um
Summary: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin in the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with cirrhosis with ascites. The results showed no significant difference in the efficacy of these antibiotics.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Han Ah Lee, Young-Sun Lee, Young Kul Jung, Ji Hoon Kim, Hyung Joon Yim, Jong Eun Yeon, Yeon Seok Seo, Jae Seung Lee, Hye Won Lee, Beom Kyung Kim, Jun Yong Park, Do Young Kim, Sang Hoon Ahn, Seung Up Kim
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether antiviral therapy improves outcomes in patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis and undetectable HBV-DNA. The results showed that antiviral therapy did not reduce the risk of death or hepatocellular carcinoma.
JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yoonseok Lee, Seryun Bae, Ji Hoon Kim, Minjung Kwak, So Yeon Jeon, Taehyung Kim, Sun Young Yim, Young-Sun Lee, Young Kul Jung, Yeon Seok Seo, Hyung Joon Yim, Jong Eun Yeon, Kwan Soo Byun
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of serum Asialo alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AsAGP) levels in classifying the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and distinguishing them from healthy controls. The results showed significant differences in serum AsAGP levels between the CHB group, healthy control group, and CHB with liver cirrhosis group. Serum AsAGP levels were also positively correlated with liver stiffness. Therefore, serum AsAGP levels may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the progression of liver disease in CHB.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dongwoo Kim, Ja Seol Koo, Soon Ha Kim, Yeong Seo Park, Jung Wan Choe, Seung Young Kim, Jong Jin Hyun, Sung Woo Jung, Young Kul Jung, Hyung Joon Yim
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of necrosis inhibitor (NI, NecroX-7) on a DSS-induced chronic colitis model of mice. The results showed that NI reduced body weight change and disease activity index (DAI) score. Colon length and histological score were longer and lower in the NI-treated groups, respectively. The NI decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-alpha and p-NF-kappa B. Therefore, NI use is a potential, novel treatment approach for IBD.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seol Hee Park, Eun Kyeong Lee, Joowon Yim, Min Hoo Lee, Eojin Lee, Young-Sun Lee, Wonhyo Seo
Summary: The biogenesis and biological roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, in liver diseases have attracted significant attention. Exosomes, the smallest EVs, play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication and epigenetic regulation. They can be used for disease diagnosis, treatment, drug delivery, cell-free vaccines, and regenerative medicine. However, the isolation of exosomes with high yield and purity and distinguishing them from other EVs remain major challenges. Exosomes are involved in alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development by promoting inflammation and fibrogenesis. Understanding the biogenesis and biological roles of exosomes is important for the progression of liver diseases.
BIOMOLECULES & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hyung Joon Yim, Young Eun Ahn, Tae Hyung Kim, Young Kul Jung
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Young-Sun Lee, Ekihiro Seki
Summary: It is crucial to choose an appropriate liver fibrosis model based on the purpose of study and type of disease due to the varied development and progression of liver fibrosis according to its etiology. This review provides a summary and analysis of various in vivo and in vitro liver fibrosis models and their implications and limitations. Liver fibrosis is a common consequence of various chronic liver diseases, and understanding its pathophysiology and identifying potential therapeutic targets is essential as it can progress to advanced liver diseases. Despite numerous studies, the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis remain unclear.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Geum-Young Lee, Kyungmin Park, Young-Sun Lee, Ji Hoon Kim, Kwan Soo Byun, Jongwoo Kim, Won-Keun Kim, Jin-Won Song
Summary: This study evaluated the use of multiplex PCR-based nanopore sequencing to obtain whole-genome sequences of HAV for rapid molecular diagnosis of viral genotypes. The results showed high genome coverage rates (90.4-99.5%) of HAV within 8 hours using singleplex nanopore sequencing. TaqMan qPCR demonstrated the ability to detect and quantify multiple HAV genes. This study provides valuable insights for rapid molecular diagnosis during hepatitis A outbreaks and may enhance public health disease surveillance in the hospital and epidemiology field.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Myung Han Hyun, Ji Hoon Kim, Jeong Won Jang, Jeong Eun Song, Do Seon Song, Hye Won Lee, Young Youn Cho, Gi-Ae Kim, Eileen L. Yoon, Dong Hyun Sinn, Soon Sun Kim, Sun Young Yim, Hyun Yang, Jihyun An
Summary: This meta-analytical study found that acupuncture increases the risk of hepatitis C transmission. Caution should be exercised when performing acupuncture and other medical and social practices due to the contagiousness of hepatitis C.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jae-Hyun Yoon, Sung-Eun Kim, Su-Hyeon Cho, Gi-Ae Kim, Yewan Park, Ji-Won Park, Seong-Hee Kang, Young-Sun Lee, Jeong-Han Kim
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the prognosis of patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) after daclatasvir/asunaprevir (DCV/ASV) therapy. The results showed that although the prognoses of patients who achieved SVR were generally good, there was still a risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in older patients and those with cirrhosis. Therefore, early treatment at younger ages and regular follow-up surveillance after achieving SVR are recommended.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)