A radiomics model based on magnetic resonance imaging to predict cytokeratin 7/19 expression and liver fluke infection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. HCC with liver fluke infection could harbor unique biological behaviors. This study was aimed at investigating radiomics features of HCC with liver fluke infection and establishing a model to predict the expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) as well as prognosis at the same time. A total of 134 HCC patients were included. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of all patients were acquired. Radiomics features of the tumor were extracted and then data dimensionality was reduced. The radiomics model was established to predict liver fluke infection and the radiomics score (Radscore) was calculated. There were 11 features in the four-phase combined model. The efficiency of the combined model increased significantly compared to each single-phase MRI model. Radscore was an independent predictor of liver fluke infection. It was also significantly different between different expression of CK7/ CK19. Meanwhile, liver fluke infection was associated with CK7/CK19 expression. A cut-off value was set up and all patients were divided into high risk and low risk groups of CK7/CK19 positive expression. Radscore was also an independent predictor of these two biomarkers. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) of negative liver fluke infection group were significantly better than the positive group. OS and RFS of negative CK7 and CK19 expression were also better, though not significantly. Positive liver fluke infection and CK19 expression prediction groups harbored significantly worse OS and RFS, survival of positive CK7 expression prediction was unsatisfying as well. A radiomics model was established to predict liver fluke infection among HCC patients. This model could also predict CK7 and CK19 expression. OS and RFS could be foreseen by this model at the same time.

Synergistic effects of trans-p-coumaric acid isolated from the ethanol extract of Gynura procumbens in promoting intestinal absorption of chlorogenic acid and reversing alcoholic fatty liver disease.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Our previous studies found that the ethanol extract of Gynura procumbens (EEGS) reduced hepatic steatosis in alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the active ingredients from EEGS and their relevant mechanism of action in alleviating alcoholic liver injuries. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the active ingredients from EEGS and their intestinal absorption characteristics as an approach for understanding mechanism of action in alleviating alcoholic liver injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), chemical constituents from the prepared EEGS were isolated by means of solvent extraction, repeated column chromatography, preparative HPLC and other methods, and their structures were identified based on spectroscopic methods. The in vivo intestinal absorption rate of chlorogenic acid (CA), the active component of the EEGS, both in a single form and in the EEGS were monitored by the single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) method in rats. The protective effect of EEGS and its active components on alcoholic liver injuries was evaluated in the alcoholic liver injury model of C57BL/6J male mice induced by Lieber-DeCarli alcohol liquid feed. RESULTS: Three noncaffeoyl quinic acid components were isolated and identified from the EEGS, namely, 3-trans-p-coumaroyl quinic acid (0.9%), 3-cis-p-coumaroyl quinic acid (2.7%), and trans-p-coumaric acid (0.6%). In vivo intestinal absorption of CA decreased with the increase of pH value of perfusion solution in the range of 5.5-7.8. The maximum absorption percentage of CA alone was 6.7 ± 2.4%, while the maximum absorption percentage of CA in the EEGS was 16.0 ± 2.2%, which was 2.4 times higher than that of CA alone. The results of animal experiments showed that the degree of fatty liver of mice treated with EEGS was significantly lower than that of the CA, trans-p-coumaric acid, and the combination group of CA and trans-p-coumaric acid alone. CONCLUSION: The above results indicated that trans-p-coumaric acid isolated from the dried stems of Gynura procumbens assisted CA being absorbed into the body and worked together with CA to improve the function of liver lipid metabolism, reduce hepatic lipid accumulation in a mouse model of AFLD and effectively counteract alcohol-induced fatty liver disease.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of active ingredients in the essential oils from Gynura procumbens, a traditional medicine and a new and popular food material.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gynura procumbens is applied topically for the treatment of traumatic injuries in South China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted to identify the active ingredients in the essential oils from Gynura procumbens (GPEO) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: A reduction in dswelling and pain were observed in mice treated with GPEO or its active ingredients (α-pinene, 3-carene, and limonene) compared with mice treated with a solvent control. GPEO or its three active ingredients had potent pharmacological effects on COX-2 overexpression and LPS-induced migration of Raw264.7 macrophages. All three ingredients inhibited nociceptive stimulus-induced inflammatory infiltrates and COX-2 overexpression, which could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of GPEO. However, only 3-carene produced an antinociceptive effect. CONCLUSION: Consistent with the traditional usage in Southern China, GPEO may serve as a promising potent external therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic pain.