Article
Cell Biology
Chen Zhang, Yaqi Li, Bohao Liu, Chao Ning, Yimin Li, Ying Wang, Zhuan Li
Summary: This study developed specific SIRT7 inhibitors through structure prediction and virtual screening, and identified two compounds (2800Z and 40569Z) that could specifically inhibit SIRT7 activity and exhibit therapeutic effects on liver cancer in vivo.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Ester Gonzalez-Sanchez, Javier Vaquero, Maite G. Fernandez-Barrena, Juan Jose Lasarte, Matias A. Avila, Pablo Sarobe, Maria Reig, Mariona Calvo, Isabel Fabregat
Summary: TGF-beta signaling plays a dual role in HCC, acting as a tumor suppressor at early stages but promoting progression later on. It can also impact the tumor microenvironment and drive immune evasion of cancer cells. Targeting the TGF-beta pathway may be an effective therapeutic option for HCC, but biomarkers are crucial for patient selection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefania Cannito, Valeria Bincoletto, Cristian Turato, Patrizia Pontisso, Maria Teresa Scupoli, Giorgia Ailuno, Ilaria Andreana, Barbara Stella, Silvia Arpicco, Claudia Bocca
Summary: This study proposes the use of HA- and PEGylated-liposomes as potential treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The up-regulation of CD44 in HCC patients and a murine model suggests the involvement of this receptor in HCC progression. The experimental results show that HA-liposomes are more easily internalized by cells that over-express CD44, while PEG-modified liposomes are rapidly taken up by macrophages and induce M1 polarization in THP1 cells.
Review
Oncology
Hao Peng, Erwei Zhu, Yewei Zhang
Summary: Liver cancer, ranked sixth in incidence and fourth in mortality worldwide, is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the most abundant components in the tumor stroma, play a crucial role in the progression of liver cancer by interacting with tumor cells, immune cells, and vascular endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment. CAFs in liver cancer are not homogeneous, and single-cell sequencing technology has helped reveal their diversity. Understanding the context-dependent role of different subsets of CAFs provides new strategies for precise treatment of liver cancer.
BIOMARKER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Marco Sanduzzi-Zamparelli, Zoe Marino, Sabela Lens, Victor Sapena, Gemma Iserte, Anna Pla, Nuria Granel, Concepcio Bartres, Neus Llarch, Ramon Vilana, Isabel Nunez, Anna Darnell, Ernest Belmonte, Angeles Garcia-Criado, Alba Diaz, Sergio Munoz-Martinez, Carmen Ayuso, Luis Bianchi, Carla Fuster-Anglada, Jordi Rimola, Alejandro Forner, Ferran Torres, Jordi Bruix, Xavier Forns, Maria Reig
Summary: Research on HCV-infected patients shows that cirrhotic patients without non-characterized liver nodules at sustained virologic response still face the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients in F3 fibrosis stage have a lower cancer risk, but more prospective studies are needed for verification.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Ji Feng, Jing Zhou, Yong Wu, Han-Ming Shen, Tao Peng, Guo-Dong Lu
Summary: Ischemia is a common pathological process that restricts nutrient availability and induces autophagy. Although autophagy helps sustain nutrient/energy and restrict damages in short-term scenarios, it leads to cell death in long-term scenarios. Ischemia has been used as a clinical application for cancer treatment, but its efficacy is limited. Our recent research shows that combining sorafenib with glucose starvation can enhance cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by impairing mitophagy. We also identified SIAH1 as an important E3 ubiquitin ligase for mitophagic induction in HCC cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wenyuan Zhang, Bo Han, Chuya Gao, Xiaoying Liu, Yanbo Peng, Chen Gong, Dandan Hu, Na Wang, Shukun Tang, Beining Zhang, Man Zhao, Haisheng Peng
Summary: The novel oxygen self-enriched chemo/SDT nanocomposites significantly inhibited tumor growth by increasing oxygen levels and enhancing selectivity to liver tumor cells.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Mario M. Alba, Brandon Ebright, Brittney Hua, Ielyzaveta Slarve, Yiren Zhou, Yunyi Jia, Stan G. Louie, Bangyan L. Stiles
Summary: Liver cancer is a malignancy that arises from liver disease, including liver injury and metabolic disorders. The development of cancer from these liver diseases involves chronic inflammation, in which liver macrophages play significant roles. Bioactive lipids produced by hepatocytes and macrophages act as pro-inflammatory factors and contribute to the resolution of inflammation during this process. This review discusses the roles of bioactive lipids in acute and chronic hepatic inflammation and cancer progression.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yasi Pan, Xiang Zhang
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with the gut microbiome and dietary components playing important roles in its development and its related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Components in the diet such as cholesterol, fiber, fat, and sugar can alter the gut microbiome composition, consequently affecting the progression of NAFLD and related conditions.
JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Ju Youn Kim, Feng He, Michael Karin
Summary: NASH and HCC, two liver diseases related to obesity, are influenced by cholesterol and metabolic regulators in their development.
Article
Cell Biology
Yaschar Kabiri, Anna Fuhrmann, Anna Becker, Luisa Jedermann, Carola Eberhagen, Ann-Christine Koenig, Tiago Barros Silva, Fernanda Borges, Stefanie M. M. Hauck, Bernhard Michalke, Percy Knolle, Hans Zischka
Summary: Inhibiting ALR leads to mitochondrial impairment and proliferation deficits in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which can be reversed by supplementation with bioavailable hemin b. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between iron and mitochondrial homeostasis in liver cancer.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nathalia Soares da Cruz, Gabriel Pasquarelli-do-Nascimento, Augusto Cezar Polveiro e Oliveira, Kelly Grace Magalhaes
Summary: Liver cancer, commonly known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a highly lethal malignancy that affects about 90% of patients. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and obesity are both risk factors for this disease. The connection between these disorders and liver cancer is poorly understood, but inflammasome-mediated cytokines have been found to play a central role in HCC progression. The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta and IL-18 during inflammasome activation has detrimental effects on the liver microenvironment. This review explores the connections between obesity-associated NASH and HCC, focusing on the potential therapeutic targeting of IL-1 beta and IL-18.
Article
Oncology
Dexter Kai Hao Thng, Lissa Hooi, Clarissa Chin Min Toh, Jhin Jieh Lim, Deepa Rajagopalan, Imran Qamar Charles Syariff, Zher Min Tan, Masturah Bte Mohd Abdul Rashid, Lei Zhou, Alfred Wei Chieh Kow, Glenn Kunnath Bonney, Brian Kim Poh Goh, Juinn Huar Kam, Sudhakar Jha, Yock Young Dan, Pierce Kah Hoe Chow, Tan Boon Toh, Edward Kai-Hua Chow
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal cancer with high prevalence worldwide. In this study, we demonstrated the overexpression of histone methyltransferase G9a in HCC, particularly in Myc-driven liver tumors. The increased expression of G9a was associated with poor prognosis and lower survival rates in HCC patients. We also revealed the cooperative interaction between c-Myc and G9a in HCC, highlighting their role in gene repression and cancer development. Additionally, combination therapy targeting G9a and CDK9 showed promising efficacy in patient-derived models of Myc-driven HCC.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bingjian Wen, Chengcheng Zhang, Jingwen Zhou, Zhengyan Zhang, Qishi Che, Hua Cao, Yan Bai, Jiao Guo, Zhengquan Su
Summary: Targeted therapy is important in treating alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with inflammation playing a crucial role in both diseases. Combination therapy with inhibitors of inflammatory pathways and immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown promising results in mouse models of HCC.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoyun Bin, Yu Luo, Zefeng Sun, Chaoqun Lin, Peng Huang, Zhenbo Tu, Ling Li, Cong Qu, Jiamin Long, Sufang Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the potential of H2-calponin (CNN2) as a serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using serological analysis and genetic engineering techniques. The HCC group showed a significantly higher positive rate of anti-CNN2 antibody compared to other tumors and normal tissues. The mRNA and protein expressions of CNN2 in cells and tissues were also evaluated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Alessandro Vitale, Gianluca Svegliati-Baroni, Alessio Ortolani, Monica Cucco, Giulio Dalla Riva, Edoardo G. Giannini, Fabio Piscaglia, Gianludovico Rapaccini, Mariella Di Marco, Eugenio Caturelli, Marco Zoli, Rodolfo Sacco, Giuseppe Cabibbo, Fabio Marra, Andrea Mega, Filomena Morisco, Antonio Gasbarrini, Francesco Giuseppe Foschi, Gabriele Missale, Alberto Masotto, Gerardo Nardone, Giovanni Raimondo, Francesco Azzaroli, Gianpaolo Vidili, Filippo Oliveri, Filippo Pelizzaro, Rafael Ramirez Morales, Umberto Cillo, Franco Trevisani, Luca Miele, Giulio Marchesini, Fabio Farinati
Summary: This study compared patients with MAFLD and non-MAFLD who had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Italy. It found that the proportion of MAFLD in HCC patients was increasing over time and is expected to surpass non-MAFLD in the future. Despite a later cancer stage at diagnosis, MAFLD HCC patients had a lower risk of HCC-related death, suggesting reduced cancer aggressiveness.
Article
Surgery
Simone Famularo, Matteo Donadon, Federica Cipriani, Federico Fazio, Francesco Ardito, Maurizio Iaria, Pasquale Perri, Simone Conci, Tommaso Dominioni, Quirino Lai, Giuliano La Barba, Stefan Patauner, Sarah Molfino, Paola Germani, Giuseppe Zimmitti, Enrico Pinotti, Matteo Zanello, Luca Fumagalli, Cecilia Ferrari, Maurizio Romano, Antonella Delvecchio, Maria Grazia Valsecchi, Adelmo Antonucci, Fabio Piscaglia, Fabio Farinati, Yoshikuni Kawaguchi, Kiyoshi Hasegawa, Riccardo Memeo, Giacomo Zanus, Guido Griseri, Marco Chiarelli, Elio Jovine, Mauro Zago, Moh'd Abu Hilal, Paola Tarchi, Gian Luca Baiocchi, Antonio Frena, Giorgio Ercolani, Massimo Rossi, Marcello Maestri, Andrea Ruzzenente, Gian Luca Grazi, Raffaele Dalla Valle, Fabrizio Romano, Felice Giuliante, Alessandro Ferrero, Luca Aldrighetti, Davide P. Bernasconi, Guido Torzilli
Summary: This study aimed to create a machine learning predictive model to allocate patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to their best potential treatment based on their specific characteristics. An individualized algorithm for treatment allocation was developed using factors such as age, cirrhosis, number and size of recurrent nodules, extrahepatic spread, and time to recurrence. The algorithm provides recommendations for the best potential treatment according to patients' profiles.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Loreta A. Kondili, Maria Giovanna Quaranta, Luisa Cavalletto, Vincenza Calvaruso, Luigina Ferrigno, Roberta D'Ambrosio, Ilaria Simonelli, Giuseppina Brancaccio, Giovanni Raimondo, Maurizia R. Brunetto, Anna Linda Zignego, Carmine Coppola, Andrea Iannone, Elisa Biliotti, Gabriella Verucchi, Marco Massari, Anna Licata, Francesco Barbaro, Marcello Persico, Francesco Paolo Russo, Filomena Morisco, Maurizio Pompili, Mauro Vigano, Massimo Puoti, Teresa Santantonio, Erica Villa, Antonio Craxi, Liliana Chemello
Summary: This study evaluated the long-term risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis after hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication. Age, genotype 3, diabetes, platelets and albumin levels were identified as predictors of HCC risk. Furthermore, post-treatment platelet and albumin levels were found to independently predict HCC occurrence.
DIGESTIVE AND LIVER DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giuseppina Brancaccio, Barbara Coco, Alessandra Nardi, Maria Giovanna Quaranta, Maria Elena Tosti, Luigina Ferrigno, Irene Cacciola, Vincenzo Messina, Luchino Chessa, Filomena Morisco, Michele Milella, Francesco Barbaro, Alessia Ciancio, Francesco Paolo Russo, Nicola Coppola, Pierluigi Blanc, Ernesto Claar, Gabriella Verucchi, Massimo Puoti, Anna Linda Zignego, Liliana Chemello, Salvatore Madonia, Stefano Fagiuoli, Alfredo Marzano, Carlo Ferrari, Pietro Lampertico, Vito Di Marco, Antonio Craxi, Teresa Antonia Santantonio, Giovanni Raimondo, Maurizia R. Brunetto, Giovanni Battista Gaeta, Loreta A. Kondili
Summary: The study examined the characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus in Italy and found that a significant proportion of patients were non-Italian natives, and there was a decline in HBeAg prevalence and stable anti-HDV prevalence. Cirrhosis was common in both cohorts, with a higher proportion in the PITER cohort, and variables such as age, sex, BMI, and anti-HDV positivity were associated with cirrhosis. The study also observed an increase in adherence to antiviral treatment recommendations over time. In conclusion, chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Italy appears to be under control, but HDV infection remains a health concern.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Adam M. Passman, Magnus J. Haughey, Emanuela Carlotti, Marc J. Williams, Bianca Cereser, Meng-Lay Lin, Shruthi Devkumar, Jonathan P. Gabriel, Enrico Gringeri, Umberto Cillo, Francesco Paolo Russo, Matthew Hoare, Joanne ChinAleong, Marnix Jansen, Nicholas A. Wright, Hermant M. Kocher, Weini Huang, Malcolm R. Alison, Stuart A. C. McDonald
Summary: The origin and expansion dynamics of hepatocyte clones in the normal human liver have been determined using lineage tracing, methylation sequence analysis, and next-generation sequencing. Clonal patches of hepatocytes commonly associate with portal tracts and can lineage-trace with cholangiocytes, indicating a common ancestor at this niche. The patterns of mitochondrial DNA variants reveal spatially restricted mutations and limited clonal mutations, indicating slow growth and quiescence of clonal patches.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Dermatology
Christian Ciolfi, Riccardo Balestri, Federico Bardazzi, Martina Burlando, Karin Chersi, Antonio Costanzo, Paolo Dapavo, Paolo Gisondi, Piergiorgio Malagoli, Miriam Pizzolato, Giulia Rech, Francesco Paolo Russo, Sara Battistella, Stefano Piaserico
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Nicola Pugliese, Vincenza Calvaruso, Mario Masarone, Roberta D'Ambrosio, Sara Battistella, Anna Licata, Marcello Persico, Maria Paola Anolli, Marco Distefano, Salvatore Petta, Francesco Paolo Russo, Vito Di Marco, Alessio Aghemo
Summary: This retrospective study found that G/P treatment achieved high SVR rates of 97.9% in Caucasian patients aged 75 years and older with chronic HCV infection. The study included 570 patients who received G/P treatment at five referral centers in Italy between October 2017 and January 2022.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Aron Emmi, Michele Sandre, Francesco Paolo Russo, Giulia Tombesi, Federica Garri, Marta Campagnolo, Miryam Carecchio, Roberta Biundo, Gaya Spolverato, Veronica Macchi, Edoardo Savarino, Fabio Farinati, Piero Parchi, Andrea Porzionato, Luigi Bubacco, Raffaele De Caro, Gabor G. Kovacs, Angelo Antonini
Summary: This study revealed the presence of neuronal dysfunction and reactive gliosis in the duodenum of patients with Parkinson's disease, suggesting that the enteric nervous system is involved in the pathophysiology of the disease.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Virology
Sara Battistella, Alberto Zanetto, Martina Gambato, Giacomo Germani, Marco Senzolo, Patrizia Burra, Francesco Paolo Russo
Summary: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a prevalent disease leading to liver transplantation (LT) for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The presence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) accelerates liver injury and HCC progression in HBsAg carriers. Post-transplantation, combination therapy with HBIG and NUCs has improved patient survival by preventing re-infection and recurrence. High-barrier NUCs like entecavir and tenofovir are safe and effective for low-risk HBV reactivation. Last-generation NUCs allow for the use of anti-HBc and HBsAg-positive grafts due to organ shortage.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Filippo Pelizzaro, Fabio Farinati, Franco Trevisani
Summary: In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has become the standard frontline treatment for advanced stage HCC. However, not all patients benefit from immunotherapy, and identifying predictive biomarkers for response or resistance is crucial for optimal treatment selection. This review aims to summarize available data on tumor and clinical features associated with response or resistance to immunotherapies in HCC.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ugo Fedeli, Claudio Barbiellini Amidei, Veronica Casotto, Enrico Grande, Mario Saia, Alberto Zanetto, Francesco Paolo Russo
Summary: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, trends in mortality from chronic liver disease varied depending on the cause, etiology, and region. The pandemic directly impacted mortality of CLD patients through increased risk for severe illness and death, and indirectly through social isolation, harmful behaviors, and difficulties in accessing care. Limited data is available on changes in CLD-related deaths during the pandemic, but in the USA, there was an increase in mortality for all liver diseases, particularly alcoholic liver disease among young people and specific ethnic groups.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
S. Censi, S. Carducci, G. Zoppini, A. Toffalini, V. Tonelli, J. Manso, C. Sabbadin, F. Galuppini, G. Pennelli, I. Piva, S. Barollo, L. Bertazza, V. Pilotto, D. Basso, B. Fabris, S. Bernardi, F. Farinati, C. Scaroni, C. Mian
Summary: This study investigated whether autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) and chronic hypergastrinemia are associated with increased calcitonin (Ct) levels. The results showed that high gastrin levels in patients with AAG do not explain hypercalcitonemia, regardless of the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). Therefore, further diagnostic evaluation is necessary to rule out medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in patients with high Ct levels and AAG.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Elisa Pinto, Filippo Pelizzaro, Fabio Farinati, Francesco Paolo Russo
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver malignancy, and angiogenesis plays a crucial role in its development and progression. Deregulated angiogenic pathways have been identified as therapeutic targets in HCC. Locoregional and systemic treatments aim to disrupt tumor blood supply, but this may induce neoangiogenesis and tumor recurrence. Currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies primarily target angiogenic pathways for HCC treatment.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Aron Emmi, Michele Sandre, Francesco Paolo Russo, Giulia Tombesi, Federica Garri, Marta Campagnolo, Miryam Carecchio, Roberta Biundo, Gaya Spolverato, Veronica Macchi, Edoardo Savarino, Fabio Farinati, Piero Parchi, Andrea Porzionato, Luigi Bubacco, Raffaele De Caro, Gabor G. Kovacs, Angelo Antonini
Summary: This study investigated the alterations of alpha-synuclein and glial responses in duodenum biopsies of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The findings provide evidence of synuclein pathology and gliosis in the duodenum of PD patients, including early cases, suggesting the important role of the gut in PD pathogenesis.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2023)