Up-regulation of GINS1 highlighted a good diagnostic and prognostic potential of survival in three different subtypes of human cancer / A regulação positiva de GINS1 destacou um bom potencial diagnóstico e prognóstico de sobrevivência em três subtipos diferentes de câncer humano

Abstract Cancer is a fatal malignancy and its increasing worldwide prevalence demands the discovery of more sensitive and reliable molecular biomarkers. To investigate the GINS1 expression level and its prognostic value in distinct human cancers using a series of multi-layered in silico approach may help to establish it as a potential shared diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of different cancer subtypes. The GINS1 mRNA, protein expression, and promoter methylation were analyzed using UALCAN and Human Protein Atlas (HPA), while mRNA expression was further validated via GENT2. The potential prognostic values of GINS1 were evaluated through KM plotter. Then, cBioPortal was utilized to examine the GINS1-related genetic mutations and copy number variations (CNVs), while pathway enrichment analysis was performed using DAVID. Moreover, a correlational analysis between GINS1 expression and CD8+ T immune cells and a the construction of gene-drug interaction network was performed using TIMER, CDT, and Cytoscape. The GINS1 was found down-regulated in a single subtypes of human cancer while commonly up-regulated in 23 different other subtypes. The up-regulation of GINS1 was significantly correlated with the poor overall survival (OS) of Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC), Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). The GINS1 was also found up-regulated in LIHC, LUAD, and KIRC patients of different clinicopathological features. Pathways enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of GINS1 in two diverse pathways, while few interesting correlations were also documented between GINS1 expression and its promoter methylation level, CD8+ T immune cells level, and CNVs. Moreover, we also predicted few drugs that could be used in the treatment of LIHC, LUAD, and KIRC by regulating the GINS1 expression. The expression profiling of GINS1 in the current study has suggested it a novel shared diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of LIHC, LUAD, and KIRC.

Resumo O câncer é uma doença maligna fatal e sua crescente prevalência mundial exige a descoberta de biomarcadores moleculares mais sensíveis e confiáveis. Investigar o nível de expressão de GINS1 e seu valor prognóstico em cânceres humanos distintos, usando uma série de abordagens in silico em várias camadas, pode ajudar a estabelecê-lo como um potencial biomarcador de diagnóstico e prognóstico compartilhado de diferentes subtipos de câncer. O mRNA de GINS1, a expressão da proteína e a metilação do promotor foram analisados ​​usando UALCAN e Human Protein Atlas (HPA), enquanto a expressão de mRNA foi posteriormente validada via GENT2. Os valores prognósticos potenciais de GINS1 foram avaliados por meio do plotter KM. Em seguida, o cBioPortal foi utilizado para examinar as mutações genéticas relacionadas ao GINS1 e as variações do número de cópias (CNVs), enquanto a análise de enriquecimento da via foi realizada usando DAVID. Além disso, uma análise correlacional entre a expressão de GINS1 e células imunes T CD8 + e a construção de uma rede de interação gene-droga foi realizada usando TIMER, CDT e Cytoscape. O GINS1 foi encontrado regulado negativamente em um único subtipo de câncer humano, enquanto comumente regulado positivamente em 23 outros subtipos diferentes. A regulação positiva de GINS1 foi significativamente correlacionada com a sobrevida global pobre (OS) de Carcinoma Hepatocelular de Fígado (LIHC), Adenocarcinoma de Pulmão (LUAD) e Carcinoma de Células Claras Renais de Rim (KIRC). O GINS1 também foi encontrado regulado positivamente em pacientes LIHC, LUAD e KIRC de diferentes características clínico-patológicas. A análise de enriquecimento de vias revelou o envolvimento de GINS1 em duas vias diversas, enquanto poucas correlações interessantes também foram documentadas entre a expressão de GINS1 e seu nível de metilação do promotor, nível de células imunes T CD8 + e CNVs. Além disso, também previmos poucos medicamentos que poderiam ser usados ​​no tratamento de LIHC, LUAD e KIRC, regulando a expressão de GINS1. O perfil de expressão de GINS1 no estudo atual sugeriu que é um novo biomarcador de diagnóstico e prognóstico compartilhado de LIHC, LUAD e KIRC.

Invivo and invitro evaluation of antitumor effects of iron oxide and folate core shell-iron oxide nanoparticles / Avaliação in vivo e in vitro dos efeitos antitumorais de nanopartículas de óxido de ferro e óxido de ferro com núcleo de folato

Abstract Nanoparticles are considered viable options in the treatment of cancer. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetite folate core shell (MFCS) on leukemic and hepatocarcinoma cell cultures as well as their effect on the animal model of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). Through current study nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized by various techniques, and their properties were studied to confirm their nanostructure. Invivo study, nanoparticles were evaluated to inspect their cytotoxic activity against SNU-182 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), K562 (human leukemia), and THLE2 (human normal epithelial liver) cells via MTT test. Apoptotic signaling proteins Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 expression were inspected through RT-PCR method. A cytotoxic effect of MNPs and MFCS was detected in previous cell cultures. Moreover, the apoptosis was identified through significant up-regulation of caspase-3, with Bcl-2 down-regulation. Invitro study, AML was induced in rats by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea followed by oral treatment with MNPS and MFCS. Biochemical indices such as aspartate and alanine amino transferases, and lactate dehydrogenase activities, uric acid, complete blood count, and Beta -2-microglubulin were assessed in serum. Immunophenotyping for CD34 and CD38 detection was performed. Liver, kidney, and bone marrow were microscopically examined. Bcl-2 promoter methylation, and mRNA levels were examined. Although, both MNPs and MFCS depict amelioration in biochemical parameters, MFCS alleviated them toward normal control. Anticancer activity of MNPs and MFCS was approved especially for AML. Whenever, administration of MFCS was more effective than MNPs. The present work is one of few studies used MFCS as anticancer agent.

Resumo Nanopartículas são consideradas opções viáveis ​​no tratamento do câncer. Este estudo foi conduzido para investigar o efeito de nanopartículas de magnetita (MNPs) e núcleo de folato de magnetita (MFCS) em culturas de células leucêmicas e de hepatocarcinoma, bem como seu efeito no modelo animal de leucemia mielocítica aguda (LMA). Através do atual estudo, nanopartículas foram sintetizadas, caracterizadas por várias técnicas, e suas propriedades foram estudadas para confirmar sua nanoestrutura. No estudo in vivo, as nanopartículas foram avaliadas para inspecionar sua atividade citotóxica contra células SNU-182 (carcinoma hepatocelular humano), K562 (leucemia humana) e THLE2 (fígado epitelial humano normal) por meio do teste MTT. A expressão das proteínas sinalizadoras apoptóticas Bcl-2 e Caspase-3 foram inspecionadas através do método RT-PCR. Um efeito citotóxico de MNPs e MFCS foi detectado em culturas de células anteriores. Além disso, a apoptose foi identificada por meio de regulação positiva significativa da Caspase-3, com regulação negativa de Bcl-2. No estudo in vitro, a AML foi induzida em ratos por N-metil-N-nitrosoureia seguida por tratamento oral com MNPS e MFCS. Índices bioquímicos como aspartato e alanina aminotransferases e atividades de lactato desidrogenase, ácido úrico, hemograma completo e Beta-2-microglubulina foram avaliados no soro. A imunofenotipagem para detecção de CD34 e CD38 foi realizada. Fígado, rim e medula óssea foram examinados microscopicamente. A metilação do promotor Bcl-2 e os níveis de mRNA foram examinados. Embora tanto os MNPs quanto os MFCS representem uma melhora nos parâmetros bioquímicos, o MFCS os aliviou em direção ao controle normal. A atividade anticâncer de MNPs e MFCS foi aprovada especialmente para AML. Sempre, a administração de MFCS foi mais eficaz do que MNPs. O presente trabalho é um dos poucos estudos que utilizou o MFCS como agente anticâncer.

Neoplasia quística mucinosa hepática, reporte de un caso y análisis de la patología / Hepatic mucinous cystic neoplasm, case report and pathology analysis / Neoplasia cística mucinosa hepática, relatório de um caso e análise da patologia

Desde los primeros reportes en la bibliografía, la nomenclatura de las lesiones quísticas hepatobiliares se ha ido modificando, habiéndose descripto dos tipos de lesiones: las serosas y las mucinosas. En 2010 la Organización Mundial de la Salud estableció una nueva clasificación donde los términos cistoadenomas y cistoadenocarcinomas hepatobiliares son reemplazados por entidades más específicas como la neoplasia mucinosa quística y los tumores quísticos intraductales (neoplasia papilar intraductal, neoplasma tubulopapilar intraductal y neoplasma oncocitico papilar). En cuanto a la neoplasia mucinosa quística, la presencia de estroma ovárico le confiere características distintivas en lo patológico y biológico, siendo esto un requisito en la clasificación de la OMS. Esta característica lo diferencia de los hamartomas biliares, los quistes congénitos y la enfermedad de Caroli. Dichas neoplasias son infrecuentes, con una incidencia menor al 5% de las lesiones quísticas hepáticas y ocurren casi exclusivamente en mujeres, frecuentemente perimenopáusicas. Su potencial de malignización ha sido descrito, siendo éste la indicación de tratamiento quirúrgico resectivo. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente portadora de una neoplasia quística mucinosa hepática, catalogada como cistoadenoma hepático según la antigua clasificación.

Since the early reports in the literature, the nomenclature of hepatobiliary cystic lesions has been modified, with two types of lesions being described: serous and mucinous. In 2010, the World Health Organization established a new classification in which the terms hepatobiliary cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas were replaced by more specific entities such as mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal cystic tumors (intraductal papillary neoplasm, intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm, and intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm). Regarding mucinous cystic neoplasms, the presence of ovarian stroma confers distinctive pathological and biological characteristics, which is a requirement in the WHO classification. This characteristic differentiates it from biliary hamartomas, congenital cysts, and Caroli's disease. Such neoplasms are rare, with an incidence of less than 5% of hepatic cystic lesions, and occur almost exclusively in women, often perimenopausal. Their potential for malignancy has been described, and this is the indication for surgical resection treatment. We present a clinical case of a patient with a mucinous cystic hepatic neoplasm, classified as a hepatic cystadenoma according to the old classification.

Desde os primeiros relatos na literatura, a nomenclatura das lesões císticas hepatobiliares tem sido modificada, sendo descritos dois tipos de lesões,asserosas e as mucinosas. Em 2010, a Organização Mundial da Saúdeestabeleceuuma nova classificação, naqual os termos cistoadenomas e cistoadenocarcinomas hepatobiliares foramsubstituídos por entidades mais específicas, como a neoplasia mucinosa cística e os tumores císticos intraductais (neoplasia papilar intraductal, neoplasma tubulopapilar intraductal e neoplasma oncocítico papilar). Em relação à neoplasia mucinosa cística, a presença de estroma ovarianoconfere características distintas do ponto de vista patológico e biológico, sendoesseum requisito naclassificação da OMS. Essa característica a diferencia dos hamartomas biliares, cistoscongênitos e doença de Caroli. Essas neoplasias são raras, comumaincidência menor que 5% das lesões císticas hepáticas, e ocorremquase exclusivamente em mulheres, frequentementeperimenopáusicas. Seu potencial de malignizaçãotem sido descrito, sendoesta a indicação para tratamentocirúrgicoressectivo. Apresentamos o caso clínico de uma paciente portadora de uma neoplasia cística mucinosa hepática, classificada como cistoadenoma hepático de acordocom a antigaclassificação.

Biliotórax: una entidad rara para un diagnóstico frecuente. Un reporte de caso / Bilothorax: a Rare Entity for a Frequent Diagnosis. A Case Report

Introducción: El biliotórax es una condición infrecuente definida por la presencia de bilis en el espacio pleural. Actualmente, hay alrededor de 70 casos descritos en la litera-tura. Sigue siendo relativamente desconocido, por lo tanto, poco sospechado. Esta entidad suele ser el resultado de una lesión iatrogénica, a menudo secundaria a cirugías o traumatismos del tracto biliar, que conduce a la formación de una fístula pleurobiliar.

Introduction: Bilothorax is a rare condition defined by the presence of bile in the pleural space. Currently, there are around 70 cases described in the literature. It remains relatively unknown and, therefore, little suspected. This entity is usually the result of an iatrogenic injury, often secondary to surgery or trauma to the biliary tract, leading to the formation of a pleurobiliary fistula

Metodologías de Medición de Volumetría Hepática / Methodologies For Measuring Hepatic Volumetry

Lograr determinar el volumen total de un hígado (VHT), o volumetría hepática, pasa a ser de relevancia en diversas situaciones, tales como, vigilancia del progreso de una enfermedad de carácter crónico, planificación de resecciones y trasplantes hepáticos; y observación del clearance hepático de algunos fármacos hepatotropos. La VHT se puede realizar utilizando métodos de segmentación en el curso de una tomografía computarizada (TC), ya sean estos manual, automáticos, y semiautomáticos; mediante resonancia nuclear (RN), utilizando softwares de distintas generaciones (1ª a 4ª). La medición de VHT está indicada en pacientes sometidos a resecciones hepáticas mayores, en el contexto del tratamiento de neoplasias (carcinoma hepatocelular, colangiocarcinoma, metástasis hepáticas o tumores benignos de gran tamaño), abscesos (piogénicos, amebianos), y después de un traumatismo hepático complejo; así como también en la etapa preoperatoria de un trasplante hepático. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio sobre métodos para determinar volumetría hepática.

SUMMARY: Being able to determine the total hepatic volume (THV), or THV, becomes relevant in various situations, such as monitoring the progress of a chronic disease, planning resections and liver transplants; and observation of the hepatic clearance of some hepatotropic drugs. THV can be performed using segmentation methods in the course of a computed tomography (CT), whether manual, automatic, or semi-automated; by nuclear resonance (NR), using software from different generations (1st to 4st). THV measurement is indicated in patients undergoing major liver resections, in the context of treatment of neoplasms (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, liver metastases or large benign tumors), abscesses (pyogenic, amoebic), and after liver trauma complex, as well as in the preoperative stage of a liver transplant. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document regarding methods for determine hepatic volumetry.

Evolução da mortalidade por neoplasias entre os anos de 2010 a 2020 no Brasil segundo sexo e localização primária do tumor / Evolution of mortality from neoplasms between the years 2010 to 2020 in Brazil according to gender and primary location of the tumour

Introdução: o câncer é um grave problema de saúde pública, considerado a segunda causa de óbitos no Brasil. Devido à sua relevância, é indispensável um controle eficiente dos casos através do acompanhamento da taxa de mortalidade. Dessa forma, o trabalho analisou a evolução da mortalidade por câncer para as localizações primárias mais frequentes, segundo sexo, durante o período de 2010 a 2020. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo observacional descritivo, no qual os dados foram obtidos através do Atlas On-line de Mortalidade por Câncer. Os dados colhidos correspondem ao número de óbitos estratificados por tipo de câncer mais frequente, por ano estudado e por sexo, além das taxas de mortalidade específica bruta e a taxa de mortalidade ajustada por idade para o sexo masculino e feminino, para cada tipo de câncer em estudo, considerando a população padrão mundial, sendo avaliado por regressão linear a significância da tendência temporal. Resultados: no Brasil, no período de 2010 a 2020, as neoplasias mais frequentes em mulheres foram câncer de mama, câncer nos brônquios e pulmões, câncer no colo do útero, câncer no cólon e no pâncreas e em homens foram brônquios e pulmões, câncer de próstata, câncer de estômago, de esôfago e no fígado e vias biliares, sendo observado uma tendência crescente na taxa de mortalidade em mulheres e decrescente na taxa de mortalidade em homens. Conclusão: os resultados demonstram um possível comprometimento com a notificação durante o período de pandemia por Covid-19 e um possível rastreamento ainda deficiente de câncer na população masculina.

Introduction: cancer is a severe public health problem, considered the second cause of death in Brazil. Due to its relevance, efficient control of cases by monitoring the mortality rate is essential. Thus, the work analysed the evolution of cancer mortality for the most frequent primary locations, according to sex, from 2010 to 2020. Methodology: this is a descriptive observational study in which data were obtained through the Atlas Online Cancer Mortality Report. The data collected correspond to the number of deaths stratified by the most frequent type of cancer, by year studied and by sex, in addition to the crude specific mortality rates and the age-adjusted mortality rate for males and females, for each type of cancer. Understudy, considering the standard world population, the significance of the temporal trend is evaluated by linear regression. Results: in Brazil, from 2010 to 2020, the most frequent neoplasms in women were breast cancer, bronchial and lung cancer, cervical cancer, colon and pancreas cancer and in men, they were bronchial and lung cancer, cancer prostate, stomach, oesophagal and liver and biliary tract cancer, with an increasing trend in the mortality rate in women and a decreasing trend in the mortality rate in men. Conclusion: the results demonstrate a possible compromise with notification during the Covid-19 pandemic and a possible still poor screening of cancer in the male population.

Resecabilidad de las metástasis hepáticas según la lateralidad del tumor colorrectal primario y la temporalidad de presentación. Serie de casos en dos instituciones de alta complejidad de la ciudad de Medellín / Resectability of liver metastasis according to the laterality of the primary colorectal tumor and the temporality of presentation. Case series in two high-complex institutions in the city of Medellín

Introducción. La neoplasia colorrectal es una patología oncológica muy frecuente a nivel mundial y una de las causas más comunes de mortalidad por cáncer. La epidemiologia, diagnóstico y tratamiento han sido ampliamente estudiadas, mientras que los datos sobre la enfermedad metastásica siguen siendo escasos. El hígado es el órgano más comúnmente afectado y algunos estudios sugieren diferencias en sobrevida y resecabilidad según la localización del tumor primario. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer el comportamiento y resecabilidad de neoplasias avanzadas colorrectales en dos hospitales de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos. Estudio analítico retrospectivo para identificar los patrones de las metástasis hepáticas y sus características en función de las diferencias clínicas, histológicas y endoscópicas del tumor colorrectal primario entre 2015 y 2020. Resultados. Se recolectaron 54 pacientes con neoplasia colorrectal y metástasis hepáticas, 21 (39 %) derechas y 33 (61 %) izquierdas. El número de metástasis promedio fue de 3,1 en tumores del lado derecho y de 2,4 del izquierdo y el tamaño promedio de cada lesión fue de 4,9 y 4,2 cm, respectivamente. La tasa de resecabilidad fue del 42 % en los tumores derechos y del 82 % en los izquierdos. Las lesiones metacrónicas presentaron una tasa de resecabilidad del 90 % y las sincrónicas del 61 %. Conclusión. En este estudio, las lesiones originadas en neoplasias primarias del colon izquierdo y las lesiones metacrónicas fueron factores pronósticos favorables para la resecabilidad, un factor que impacta en la sobrevida y el tiempo libre de enfermedad de estos pacientes.

Introduction. Colorectal tumor is the most frequent pathology worldwide and one of the most common causes of mortality attributed to cancer. Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment have been extensively studied, while information on metastatic disease remains scarce, despite being the main cause of death. Some studies suggest differences in terms of survival and resectability according to the anatomical location of the primary tumor. The aim is to establish the behavior and resectability of advanced cancers in two high-complex hospitals in the city of Medellín, Colombia. Methods. Cross-sectional observational study from secondary sources of information based on a retrospective cohort, using available data from adult patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases between 2015 and 2020. Results. Fifty-four patients with colorectal neoplasms and liver metastases were collected, of which 21 (39%) were on the right side. The average number of liver metastases was 3.1 on the right side and 2.4 on the left, and the average size of each metastatic lesion was 4.9 cm and 4.2 cm, respectively. The resectability rate was 42% in the right tumors and 82% in the left ones. Metachronous lesions had a resectability rate of 90% and synchronous ones 61%. Conclusion. The complete resectability of liver metastatic lesions is the only therapeutic alternative with impact, in terms of survival and disease-free time in these patients. The favorable prognostic factors for the resectability of these lesions in our study were those originating from left primary tumors and metachronous lesions, where less liver tumor involvement was evidenced

Cistoadenoma mucinoso biliar: Un reto diagnóstico / Mucinous biliary cystadenoma: A diagnostic challenge

Introducción. El cistoadenoma mucinoso biliar es una neoplasia rara con alta probabilidad de malignidad. Su diagnóstico es un reto ya que se asemeja a otras masas benignas que pueden encontrarse en el hígado. Caso clínico. Mujer de 21 años con sensación de masa en hipocondrio derecho, a quien se le realizan marcadores tumorales y estudios de imágenes concluyendo que se trataba de un cistadenoma mucinoso biliar. Resultado. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con cistoadenoma mucinoso biliar, diagnosticada y tratada exitosamente con cirugía. Conclusión. El diagnóstico de cistoadenoma mucinoso biliar se confirma mediante marcadores tumorales y estudios radiológicos, y su tratamiento es quirúrgico debido al riesgo de malignidad

Introduction. Biliary mucinous cystadenoma is a rare neoplasm with a high probability of malignancy. Its diagnosis is a challenge since it resembles other benign masses that can be found in the liver. Clinical case. A 21-year-old woman with a sensation of a mass in the right hypochondrium, who underwent tumor markers and imaging studies, concluding with a diagnosis of biliary mucinous cystadenoma. Result. A case of a patient with biliary mucinous cystadenoma diagnosed and successfully treated by surgery is presented. Conclusion. The diagnosis of biliary mucinous cystadenoma is confirmed by tumor markers and radiological studies, and its treatment is surgical due to the risk of malignancy

STIP1 correlates with tumor immune infiltration and prognosis as a potential immunotherapy target: a pan-cancer bioinformatics analysis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the correlation of stress-inducible phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) expression level with prognosis of different cancers and its potential role in immunotherapy.@*METHODS@#TCGA, TARGET and GTEx databases were used for bioinformatic analysis of STIP1 expression level and its prognostic value in different cancers. We also detected STIP1 expression immunohistochemically in 10 pairs of colorectal cancer and adjacent tissues. We further analyzed the correlation of STIP1 expression level with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, immune cell infiltration, immune regulators and outcomes of different cancers. STIP1- related proteins were identified using protein- protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and functional enrichment analysis was performed to analyze the regulatory pathways involving STIP1.@*RESULTS@#Bioinformatics analysis showed that STIP1 was highly expressed in most tumors compared with the normal tissues (P < 0.05), which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry of the 10 pairs of colorectal cancer tissues. STIP1 expression level was correlated with clinical stages of multiple cancers (P < 0.05), and in some cancer types, an upregulated STIP1 expression was correlated with a poor prognosis of the patients in terms of overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free survival and progression-free survival (P < 0.05). STIP1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, immune cell infiltration and immunomodulatory factors in most tumors (P < 0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that STIP1-related proteins included HSPA4, HSPA8, and HSP90AA1. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the high expression of STIP1 in liver cancer was related mainly with valerate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and butyrate metabolism pathways; HALLMARK enrichment analysis suggested high STIP1 expression in liver cancer was involved in bile acid and fatty acid metabolism.@*CONCLUSION@#STIP1 is up-regulated in multiple cancer types and its expression level is correlated with clinical tumor stage, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, immune cell infiltration and immunomodulatory factors.

Procine recombinant NK-lysin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by downregulating FKBP3 and inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis: a proteomic analysis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the potential mechanisms that mediate the inhibitory effect of porcine recombinant NKlysin (prNK-lysin) against liver cancer cell metastasis.@*METHODS@#HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins in prNK-lysin-treated hepatocellular carcinoma SMMOL/LC-7721 cells in comparison with the control and PBS-treated cells. GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway analysis of the differentially expressed proteins were performed using GO and KEGG databases. RT-qPCR was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of polypeptide-N-acetylgalactosaminotransferase 13 (GALNT13), transmembrane protein 51 (TMEM51) and FKBP prolyl isomerase 3 (FKBP3) in the cells, and the protein expression of FKBP3 was verified using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Proteomic analysis identified 1989 differentially expressed proteins in prNK-lysin-treated cells compared with the control cells, and 2753 compared with PBS-treated cells. Fifteen proteins were differentially expressed between PBS-treated and the control cells, and 1909 were differentially expressed in prNK- lysin group compared with both PBS and control groups. These differentially expressed proteins were involved mainly in the viral process, translational initiation and RNA binding and were enriched mainly in ribosome, protein process in endoplasmic reticulum, and RNA transport pathways. RT-qPCR showed that compared with the control group, prNK-lysin treatment significantly increased the mRNA expressions of GALNT13 (P < 0.05) and TMEM51 (P < 0.01) and lowered FKBP3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Western blotting also showed a significantly decreased expression of FKBP3 protein in prNK-lysin-treated cells (P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Treatment with prNK-lysin causes significant changes in protein expression profile of SMMOL/LC-7721 cells and inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by downregulating FKBP3 protein and affecting the cellular oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis pathways.

Prediction of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma with magnetic resonance imaging using models combining deep attention mechanism with clinical features / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the consistency and diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the validity of deep learning attention mechanisms and clinical features for MVI grade prediction.@*METHODS@#This retrospective study was conducted among 158 patients with HCC treated in Shunde Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University between January, 2017 and February, 2020. The imaging data and clinical data of the patients were collected to establish single sequence deep learning models and fusion models based on the EfficientNetB0 and attention modules. The imaging data included conventional MRI sequences (T1WI, T2WI, and DWI), enhanced MRI sequences (AP, PP, EP, and HBP) and synthesized MRI sequences (T1mapping-pre and T1mapping-20 min), and the high-risk areas of MVI were visualized using deep learning visualization techniques.@*RESULTS@#The fusion model based on T1mapping-20min sequence and clinical features outperformed other fusion models with an accuracy of 0.8376, a sensitivity of 0.8378, a specificity of 0.8702, and an AUC of 0.8501 for detecting MVI. The deep fusion models were also capable of displaying the high-risk areas of MVI.@*CONCLUSION@#The fusion models based on multiple MRI sequences can effectively detect MVI in patients with HCC, demonstrating the validity of deep learning algorithm that combines attention mechanism and clinical features for MVI grade prediction.

EHHADH is a key gene in fatty acid metabolism pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma: a transcriptomic analysis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the driving gene of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence and progression and its potential as new therapeutic target of HCC.@*METHODS@#The transcriptome and genomic data of 858 HCC tissues and 493 adjacent tissues were obtained from TCGA, GEO, and ICGC databases. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified EHHADH (encoding enoyl-CoA hydratase/L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase) as the hub gene in the significantly enriched differential pathways in HCC. The downregulation of EHHADH expression at the transcriptome level was found to correlate with TP53 mutation based on analysis of the TCGA- HCC dataset, and the mechanism by which TP53 mutation caused EHHADH downregulation was explored through correlation analysis. Analysis of the data from the Metascape database suggested that EHHADH was strongly correlated with the ferroptosis signaling pathway in HCC progression, and to verify this result, immunohistochemical staining was used to examine EHHADH expression in 30 HCC tissues and paired adjacent tissues.@*RESULTS@#All the 3 HCC datasets showed signficnatly lowered EHHADH expression in HCC tissues as compared with the adjacent tissues (P < 0.05) with a close correlation with the degree of hepatocyte de-differentiation (P < 0.01). The somatic landscape of HCC cohort in TCGA dataset showed that HCC patients had the highest genomic TP53 mutation rate. The transcriptomic level of PPARGC1A, the upstream gene of EHHADH, was significantly downregulated in HCC patients with TP53 mutation as compared with those without the mutation (P < 0.05), and was significantly correlated with EHHADH expression level. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that EHHADH expression was significantly correlated with abnormal fatty acid metabolism in HCC. The immunohistochemical results showd that the expression level of EHHADH in HCC tissues was down-regulated, and its expression level was related to the degree of hepatocytes de-differentiation and the process of ferroptosis.@*CONCLUSION@#TP53 mutations may induce abnormal expression of PPARGC1A to cause downregulation of EHHADH expression in HCC. The low expression of EHHADH is closely associated with aggravation of de-differentiation and ferroptosis escape in HCC tissues, suggesting the potential of EHHADH as a therapeutic target for HCC.

Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on circRNA expression profiles in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on the expression profile of circular ribonucleic acid (circRNA) in human hepatocytes through in vitro cell experiments, and to attempt to understand the potential mechanism of hepatotoxicity through bioinformatics analysis.@*METHODS@#TiO2 NPs were characterized from the aspects of particle size, shape and agglomeration state. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) was used to detect the cytotoxicity of TiO2 NPs against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) after exposure to 0, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L TiO2 NPs for 24 h or 48 h. The cells were treated at doses of 0 mg/L TiO2 NPs (control group) and 100 mg/L TiO2 NPs (treatment group), and collected after exposure for 48 h, and then RNA from the extracted cell samples was collected and sequenced. The differential circRNAs between the control and the TiO2 NPs treatment groups were screened, and then the enrichment pathway of the differential circRNA target gene was analyzed by multivariate statistics. According to the sequencing results, significantly altered genes and important genes in the significant enrichment pathways were screened, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) was performed to verify the results.@*RESULTS@#TiO2 NPs were spherical anatase with a hydrated particle size of (323.50±85.44) nm and a Zeta potential of (-21.00±0.72) mV in a serum-free medium. The results of the CCK8 cytotoxicity assay showed that with the increase of TiO2 NPs concentration, cell viability gradually decreased. A total of 11 478 circRNAs were found by RNA sequencing. Compared with the control groups, TiO2 NPs treatment groups (100 mg/L) had a total of 89 differential circRNAs, of which 59 were up-regulated and 30 were down-regulated. Analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway showed that the targeted genes of differential circRNAs were mainly enriched in fatty acid degradation, Fanconi anemia pathway, and fatty acid metabolism. The expression levels of circRNA.6730, circRNA.3650 and circRNA.4321 were significantly different between the TiO2 NPs treatment group and the control group, which were consistent with the sequencing results.@*CONCLUSION@#TiO2 NPs can induce changes in circRNA expression profile, and epigenetics may play an important role in the mechanism of hepatotoxicity.

Specimen extraction through natural orifices with Cai tubes in gastrointestinal surgery: a single-institute series of 234 cases / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of Cai tube-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) in gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This was a descriptive case-series study. Inclusion criteria: (1) colorectal or gastric cancer diagnosed by preoperative pathological examination or redundant sigmoid or transverse colon detected by barium enema; (2) indications for laparoscopic surgery; (3) body mass index <30 kg/m2 (transanal surgery) and 35 kg/m2 (transvaginal surgery); (4) no vaginal stenosis or adhesions in female patients undergoing transvaginal specimen extraction; and (5) patients with redundant colon aged 18-70 years and a history of intractable constipation for more than 10 years. Exclusion criteria: (1) colorectal cancer with intestinal perforation or obstruction, or gastric cancer with gastric perforation, gastric hemorrhage, or pyloric obstruction; (2) simultaneous resection of lung, bone, or liver metastases ; (3) history of major abdominal surgery or intestinal adhesions; and (4) incomplete clinical data. From January 2014 to October 2022, 209 patients with gastrointestinal tumors and 25 with redundant colons who met the above criteria were treated by NOSES utilizing a Cai tube (China invention patent number:ZL201410168748.2) in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University. The procedures included eversion and pull-out NOSES radical resection in 14 patients with middle and low rectal cancer, NOSES radical left hemicolectomy in 171 patients with left-sided colorectal cancer, NOSES radical right hemicolectomy in 12 patients with right-sided colon cancer, NOSES systematic mesogastric resection in 12 patients with gastric cancer, and NOSES subtotal colectomy in 25 patients with redundant colons. All specimens were collected by using an in-house-made anal cannula (Cai tube) with no auxiliary incisions. The primary outcomes included 1-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and postoperative complications. Results: Among 234 patients, 116 were male and 118 were female. The mean age was (56.6±10.9) years. NOSES was successfully completed in all patients without conversion to open surgery or procedure-related death. The negative rate of circumferential resection margin was 98.8% (169/171) with both two positive cases having left-sided colorectal cancer. Postoperative complications occurred in 37 patients (15.8%), including 11 cases (4.7%) of anastomotic leakage, 3 cases(1.3%) of anastomotic bleeding, 2 cases (0.9%) of intraperitoneal bleeding, 4 cases (1.7%) of abdominal infection, and 8 cases (3.4%) of pulmonary infection. Reoperations were required in 7 patients (3.0%), all of whom consented to creation of an ileostomy after anastomotic leakage. The total readmission rate within 30 days after surgery was 0.9% (2/234). After a follow-up of (18.3±3.6) months, the 1-year RFS was 94.7%. Five of 209 patients (2.4%) with gastrointestinal tumors had local recurrence, all of which was anastomotic recurrence. Sixteen patients (7.7%) developed distant metastases, including liver metastases(n=8), lung metastases(n=6), and bone metastases (n=2). Conclusion: NOSES assisted by Cai tube is feasible and safe in radical resection of gastrointestinal tumors and subtotal colectomy for redundant colon.

Analysis of clinicopathological features of 18 cases of hepatic angiosarcoma / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, treatment, and prognosis of hepatic angiosarcoma. Methods: Clinicopathological data and prognostic conditions of 18 cases with hepatic angiosarcoma were collected retrospectively. The recurrence-free survival rate and overall survival rate were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox regression analysis was used to explore the survival-related risk factors. Results: There were 12 male and 6 female patients, with an average age of 57 (37 ~ 70) years. The tumor's average diameter was 8.40 (2.00 ~ 18.00) cm. Seven cases had multiple tumors, while two cases had large vessel tumor thrombuses. Microscopically, the tumor tissues were irregularly anastomosed, with vascular lacunar or solid bundle-like weaving, and the tissue morphology mimicked capillary hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, or angioepithelioma, while tumor cells were spindle-shaped or epithelioid, lined with hobnails in the lumen, or formed papillary structures in the lumen. The proportion of highly, moderately, and poorly differentiated tumors was 4:8:6, with six cases having clear tumor boundaries, eight having microvascular tumor thrombi, and sixteen having blood lake formation. Different levels of expression of CD31, CD34, erythroblast transformation-specific related genes, and Fli-1 markers were demonstrated in all of the cases. Four cases had a P53 mutation, and six cases had Ki-67 > 10%. During the follow-up period of 0.23-114.20 months, the five-year recurrence-free survival rate and overall survival rate were 16.7% and 37.2%, respectively. Cox regression multivariate analysis showed that preoperative symptoms and multiple tumors were significant risk factors for recurrence-free survival, while preoperative symptoms and Ki-67 > 10% were significant risk factors for overall survival. Conclusion: Hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare hepatic mesenchymal tumor with high malignancy and a poor prognosis. Pathological morphology and immunohistochemical marker combinations are needed for a definite diagnosis. However, the complexity of angiosarcomas' histological and cytological conformations and the overlap of pathological features with benign vascular tumors, sarcomas, and carcinomas pose difficulties in the differential diagnosis. Thus, the only effective ways to prolong survival are early detection and radical surgical resection.

Study on F9 gene expression downregulation and its clinical value in hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To analyze the expression levels of the F9 gene and F9 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma by combining multiple gene chip data, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT qPCR), and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, explore their correlation with the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as with various clinical indicators and prognosis. Methods: The mRNA microarray dataset from the GEO database was analyzed to identify the F9 gene with significant expression differences associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cancer and adjacent tissues were collected from 18 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. RT-qPCR method was used to detect the F9 gene expression level. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the F9 protein level. Combined with the TCGA database information, the correlation between F9 gene expression level and prognostic and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. The biological function of F9 co-expressed genes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma was analyzed by the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad Prism software. Results: Meta-analysis results showed that the expression of the F9 gene was lower in HCC tissues than in non-cancerous tissues. Immunohistochemistry results were basically consistent with those of RT-qPCR. The data obtained from TCGA showed that the F9 gene had lower expression values in stages III-IV, T3-T4, and patients with vascular invasion. A total of 127 genes were selected for bioinformatics analysis as co-expressed genes of F9, which were highly enriched in redox processes and metabolic pathways. Conclusion: This study validates that the F9 gene and F9 protein are lower in HCC. The down-regulation of the F9 gene predicts adverse outcomes, which may provide a new therapeutic target for HCC.

Clinical study on early predictors of concurrent bile duct injury following TACE in patients with liver cancer / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To explore the predictive factors of concurrent bile duct injury following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 483 HCC patients in relation to TACE postoperative complications. A total of 21 cases of bile duct injury were observed following the TACE procedure. Laboratory data, imaging data, and clinically relevant medical histories were recorded before and after one week following the TACE procedure and follow-up. The χ (2) test, or Fisher's exact probability method, was used for categorical variables. The mean of the two samples was compared using a paired t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. The comparison of multiple mean values was conducted using an analysis of variance. Results: Twenty-one cases with bile duct injury had intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, bile tumors, hilar biliary duct stenoses, and other manifestations. 14.3% (3/21) of patients showed linear high-density shadows along the bile duct on a plain CT scan, while 76.2% (16/21) of patients had ALP > 200 U/L one week following TACE procedure, and bile duct injury occurred in later follow-up. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly increased in all patients following TACE procedure (t = -2.721, P = 0.014; t = -2.674, P = 0.015; t = -3.079, P = 0.006; t = -3.377, P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The deposition of iodized oil around the bile duct on plain CT scan presentation or the continuous increase of ALP (> 200 U/L) one week following TACE procedure has a certain predictive value for the later bile duct injury.

Research progress of FAPI PET/CT in the diagnosis of malignant liver tumors / 中华肝脏病杂志

Malignant liver tumors have a high incidence and mortality rate. Therefore, it is of great significance to promptly learn about tumor advancement status through relevant examinations for patients' follow-up, diagnosis, and therapy as well as the improvement of the five-year survival rate. The primary lesions and intrahepatic metastases of malignant liver tumors have been better demonstrated in the clinical study with the use of various isotope-labeled fibroblast activating protein inhibitors because of their low uptake in liver tissues and high tumor/background ratio, which provides a new method for early diagnosis, precise staging, and radionuclide therapy. In light of this context, a review of the research progress of fibroblast-activating protein inhibitors for the diagnosis of liver malignant tumors is presented.

Regulation and influence of mitochondria on macrophages during hepatitis B virus infection / 中华肝脏病杂志

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important public health concern, as approximately 3.5% of the world's population is currently chronically infected. Chronic HBV infection is the primary cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and deaths related to liver disease globally. Studies have found that in HBV infection, viruses can directly or indirectly regulate mitochondrial energy metabolism, oxidative stress, respiratory chain metabolites, and autophagy, thereby altering macrophage activation status, differentiation types, and related cytokine secretion type and quantity regulations. Therefore, mitochondria have become an important signal source for macrophages to participate in the body's immune system during HBV infection, providing a basis for mitochondria to be considered as a potential therapeutic target for chronic hepatitis B.

Long-term trend analysis of liver cancer survival rate in Qidong region, Jiangsu Province, 1972-2019 / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To analyze the incidence and survival rate of liver cancer cases in the entire population in the Qidong region from 1972 to 2019, so as to provide a basis for prognosis evaluation, prevention, and treatment. Methods: The observed survival rate (OSR) and relative survival rate (RSR) of 34 805 cases of liver cancer in the entire Qidong region population from 1972 to 2019 were calculated using Hakulinen's method with SURV3.01 software. Hakulinen's likelihood ratio test was used for statistical analysis. Age-standardized relative survival (ARS) was calculated using the International Cancer Survival Standard. The Joinpoint regression analysis was performed with Joinpoint 4.7.0.0 software to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of the liver cancer survival rate. Results: 1-ASR increased from 13.80% in 1972-1977 to 50.20% in 2014-2019, while 5-ASR increased from 1.27% in 1972-1977 to 27.64% in 2014-2019. The upward trend of RSR over eight periods was statistically significant (χ (2) = 3045.29, P < 0.001). Among them, male 5-ASR was 0.90%, 1.80%, 2.33%, 4.92%, 5.43%, 7.05%, 10.78%, and 27.78%, and female 5-ASR was 2.33%, 1.51%, 3.35%, 3.92%, 3.84%, 7.18%, 11.45%, and 29.84%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in RSR between males and females (χ (2) = 45.68, P < 0.001). The 5-RSR for each age group of 25-34 years old, 35-44 years old, 45-54 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, and 75 years old were 4.92%, 5.29%, 8.17%, 11.70%, 11.63%, and 9.60%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in RSR among different age groups (χ (2) = 501.29, P < 0.001). The AAPC in Qidong region from 1972 to 2019 for 1-ARS, 3-ASR, and 5-ARS were 5.26% (t = 12.35, P < 0.001), 8.10% (t = 15.99, P < 0.001), and 8.96 % (t = 16.06, P < 0.001), respectively. The upward trend was statistically significant in all cases. The AAPC of 5-ARS was 9.82% in males (t = 14.14, P < 0.001), and 8.79% in females (t = 11.48, P < 0.001), and the upward trend was statistically significant in both. The AAPC of 25-34 years old, 35-44 years old, 45-54 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, and 75 years old were 5.37% (t = 5.26, P = 0.002), 5.22% (t = 5.66, P = 0.001), 7.20% (t = 6.88, P < 0.001), 10.00% (t = 12.58, P < 0.001), 9.96% (t = 7.34, P < 0.001) and 8.83% (t = 3.51, P = 0.013), and the upward trend was statistically significant. Conclusion: The overall survival rate of registered cases of liver cancer in the Qidong region's entire population has greatly improved, but there is still much room for improvement. Hence, constant attention should be paid to the study on preventing and treating liver cancer.