Supplementation with a high-glucose drink stimulates anti-tumor immune responses to glioblastoma via gut microbiota modulation.

A high-sugar diet induces lifestyle-associated metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, which may underlie the pro-tumor effects of a high-sugar diet. We supply GL261 syngeneic glioblastoma (GBM) mice with a short-term high-glucose drink (HGD) and find an increased survival rate with no evidence of metabolic disease. Modulation of the gut microbiota through HGD supplementation is critical for enhancing the anti-tumor immune response. Single-cell RNA sequencing shows that gut microbiota modulation by HGD supplementation increases the T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune response in GBM mice. We find that the cytotoxic CD4+ T cell population in GBM is increased due to synergy with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitors, but this effect depends upon HGD supplementation. Thus, we determine that HGD supplementation enhances anti-tumor immune responses in GBM mice through gut microbiota modulation and suggest that the role of HGD supplementation in GBM should be re-examined.

Harnessing type I interferon-mediated immunity to target malignant brain tumors.

Type I interferons have long been appreciated as a cytokine family that regulates antiviral immunity. Recently, their role in eliciting antitumor immune responses has gained increasing attention. Within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), interferons stimulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to promote immune clearance and essentially reshape a "cold" TME into an immune-activating "hot" TME. In this review, we focus on gliomas, with an emphasis on malignant glioblastoma, as these brain tumors possess a highly invasive and heterogenous brain TME. We address how type I interferons regulate antitumor immune responses against malignant gliomas and reshape the overall immune landscape of the brain TME. Furthermore, we discuss how these findings can translate into future immunotherapies targeting brain tumors in general.

Diagnosis of Depressive Disorder Model on Facial Expression Based on Fast R-CNN.

This study examines related literature to propose a model based on artificial intelligence (AI), that can assist in the diagnosis of depressive disorder. Depressive disorder can be diagnosed through a self-report questionnaire, but it is necessary to check the mood and confirm the consistency of subjective and objective descriptions. Smartphone-based assistance in diagnosing depressive disorders can quickly lead to their identification and provide data for intervention provision. Through fast region-based convolutional neural networks (R-CNN), a deep learning method that recognizes vector-based information, a model to assist in the diagnosis of depressive disorder can be devised by checking the position change of the eyes and lips, and guessing emotions based on accumulated photos of the participants who will repeatedly participate in the diagnosis of depressive disorder.

Safety and efficacy of adjuvant pegylated interferon therapy for metastatic tumor antigen 1-positive hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic tumor antigen 1 (MTA1) overexpression is closely associated with postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been suggested that pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) can prevent the occurrence of HCC in patients who have chronic viral hepatitis. In this study, the authors examined whether postoperative adjuvant Peg-IFN therapy can reduce the recurrence of MTA1-positive HCC after curative surgical resection. METHODS: In this case-control study, 93 patients with MTA1-positive HCC who underwent curative surgical resection were prospectively enrolled. The median patient age was 53 years (range, 27-78); there were 65 men and 28 women; the etiology was hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 77 patients, hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 6 patients, and non-HBV/non-HCV in 10 patients; 31 patients received Peg-IFN (Peg-INTRON) subcutaneously at a dose of 50 µg per week for 12 months (the Peg-IFN group); and the remaining 62 patients were followed only and did not receive any adjuvant therapies (control group). Patients were followed every 1 to 3 months for a median of 24 months. RESULTS: HCC recurred postoperatively in 26 of 93 patients (28%), and 9 patients (10%) died during follow-up. The overall cumulative recurrence rates were significantly lower in the Peg-IFN group than in the control group (7% and 14% vs. 24% and 34% at 1 year and 2 years, respectively; P < .05). In addition, the 1-year and 2-year cumulative survival rates were higher in the Peg-IFN group compared with the control group (100% vs. 93% and 100% vs. 87%, respectively; P < .05). In multivariate analysis, the receipt of adjuvant Peg-IFN therapy, in addition to having a lower Cancer of the Liver Italian Program score and being a woman, was an independent, favorable factor for a lower risk of postoperative recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The current data indicate that adjuvant Peg-IFN therapy may reduce the recurrence of HCC in patients who have MTA1-positive HCC after curative surgical resection.

Factors predisposing metastatic tumor antigen 1 overexpression in hepatitis B virus associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Overexpression of metastatic tumor antigen-1 (MTA-1) is suggested to be associated with frequent postoperative recurrence and poor survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. In this study, we intended to determine clinical factors predisposing the overexpression of MTA-1 in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC and also examine whether MTA-1 overexpression affects the survival periods of these patients treated with curative surgical resection. METHODS: A total of 303 patients with HBV-associated HCC who underwent curative surgical resection were subjected. The expressions of MTA-1 in HCC and surrounding non-tumor liver tissues were evaluated using the immunohistochemical method. The clinical, radiological and histological characteristics of the patients were analyzed in relation to the expression of MTA-1 to find predisposing factors of MTA-1 overexpression. RESULTS: MTA-1 was overexpressed in 104 HCC tissues (34.3 %) and none of the surrounding non-tumor tissues. Clinically, MTA-1 overexpression was significantly associated with younger age, female gender, higher serum alpha-fetoprotein level, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A. Also, portal vein thrombosis, microvascular invasion, capsular invasion and poorly histological differentiation were associated with overexpression of MTA-1. The cumulative survival rates were significantly lower in patients with MTA-1 overexpression compared with those in the MTA-1 negative group (P = 0.03). In addition to the overexpression of MTA-1, the presence of microvascular or capsular invasion was a significant factor determining the poor survival of the patients with HBV-associated HCC after curative resection. CONCLUSIONS: MTA-1 is overexpressed in patients with HBV-associated HCC of invasive nature. MTA-1 overexpression is associated with shorter survival periods of patients with HBV-associated HCC after curative resection.

Relationship of HLA-DRB1 alleles with hepatocellular carcinoma development in chronic hepatitis B patients.

GOALS: We intended to analyze the relationship between specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 alleles and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. STUDY: A database of 468 consecutive CHB patients who received lamivudine for more than 12 months between July 1996 and February 2011 was retrospectively analyzed. Sera and buffy coats samples were obtained between April 2008 and April 2010. Six-digit HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed with sequence-based typing. Serum α fetoprotein levels and ultrasonography or computed tomography image studies were assessed every 3 to 6 months for surveillance of HCC. RESULTS: At baseline, median age was 43 years (range, 16 to 71) [male: 359 (76.7%); HBeAg positivity: 385 (82.3%)]. Among the 27 HLA-DRB1 alleles identified, HLA-DRB1*090102, *080302, and *070101 were the most frequent (>10%). HCC was diagnosed in 36 (7.7%) patients during the median follow-up of 69 months. The frequency of the HLA-DRB1*140101 allele was 9.0% and significantly higher in patients of the HCC group than those of the non-HCC group (19.4 vs. 8.1%, P=0.014). The 2-year, 4-year, and 6-year cumulative rates of HCC development were markedly higher in patients with HLA-DRB1*140101 than those without HLA-DRB1*140101 (2.4, 8.2, and 25.1% vs. 1.9, 4.7, and 7.4%, respectively, P=0.011). No other HLA-DRB1 alleles were associated with HCC development. Baseline clinical characteristics did not differ between patients with and without HLA-DRB1*140101. CONCLUSIONS: The HLA-DRB1*140101 allele may be potentially associated with increased risk of HCC development in CHB patients, irrespective of the replicative activity of hepatitis B virus and antiviral responsiveness.

High HBV-DNA titer in surrounding liver rather than in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue predisposes to recurrence after curative surgical resection.

GOALS: In this study the authors intended to investigate the relationship between intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA concentrations and posthepatectomy recurrence of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BACKGROUND: High HBV-DNA level is strongly associated with HCC development in chronic HBV infection and considered to be a risk factor of HCC recurrence. STUDY: A total of 109 patients with HBV-associated HCC who underwent curative surgical resection were followed up every 3 to 6 months for a median of 82 months. Intrahepatic total HBV-DNA titer was measured in HCC and surrounding liver tissues using a TaqMan probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction method. HBV-DNA titers in HCC and surrounding liver were compared in accordance with patients' clinical, radiologic, and histopathological characteristics. The relationships between HBV-DNA titers in HCC or surrounding liver tissues and cumulative HCC recurrence rates were determined. RESULTS: Of the 109 patients, 67 (62%) showed posthepatectomy recurrence of HCC. In all patients, total HBV-DNA titers were significantly higher in HCCs than in surrounding liver tissues (P=0.019). HCC recurred more frequently in patients with higher than those with lower HBV-DNA titers in surrounding liver tissues (P=0.009). In contrast, the HCC recurrence rates were similar in patients with higher and those with lower HBV-DNA titers in HCC specimens (P=0.301). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size >5 cm (P=0.008), the presence of portal vein thrombus (P=0.001), and high HBV-DNA titer in surrounding liver tissues (P=0.002) were independent risk factors for posthepatectomy HCC recurrence in patients with HBV-associated HCC. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HBV-associated HCC, high HBV-DNA titer in surrounding liver rather than in the HCC itself is associated with posthepatectomy HCC recurrence after curative surgical resection.

rtL180M mutation of hepatitis B virus is closely associated with frequent virological resistance to adefovir dipivoxil therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We intended to investigate the effects of pre-existing mutations at reverse transcriptase region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) on the occurrence of virological breakthrough (VB) to adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in patients with lamivudine (LAM)-resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with LAM-resistant CHB were treated with ADV at a dose of 10 mg daily, and were followed for a median period of 13 months. Just before the initiation of ADV therapy, the whole length of reverse transcriptase region of serum HBV-DNA was sequenced using direct sequencing. RESULTS: All patients had genotype C HBV and mutations in the YMDD motif, specifically, YIDD (65%), YVDD (28%), or both (7%). The rtL180M and rtL80V/I mutations were identified in 68% and 69%, respectively. The cumulative probability of VB was 19% and 27% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. There was no difference in the occurrence of VB with regard to types of YMDD mutation or rtL80V/I. However, interestingly, patients carrying rtL180M experienced VB during ADV monotherapy more frequently than those not carrying rtL180M (2-year cumulative probability of VB: 37% vs 3% at 2 years, P < 0.01). On multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, rtL180M (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-69.09, P = 0.042) and decrease in HBV-DNA for 1 year of treatment (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51-0.95, P = 0.024) are independently associated with VB. CONCLUSIONS: The rtL180M mutation of HBV, as well as a small decrease in HBV-DNA after 1 year of treatment might be closely associated with frequent occurrence of virological resistance to ADV in patients with LAM-resistant CHB.

HLA-DRB1*010101 allele is closely associated with poor virological response to lamivudine therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We intended to evaluate the association between specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 gene polymorphism and antiviral response to lamivudine (LAM) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS: Six-digit HLA-DRB1 genotypes were determined using sequence-based typing in 334 CHB patients initially treated with LAM for at least 12 months. Antiviral response was evaluated every 3-6 months during LAM therapy. RESULTS: Median age of the subjects was 43 years (range, 16-72). Median duration of LAM therapy was 69 months (range, 13-140). Median baseline serum hepatitis B virus (HBV DNA) level was 7.0 log(10) copies/ml (range, 5.5-9.1). At 12 months of LAM therapy, serum HBV DNA was undetectable by solution hybridization method in 308 (88%) patients. Among 25 HLA-DRB1 alleles identified, HLA-DRB1*090102, *080302, and *070101 were the most frequent alleles (>10%). HLA-DRB1*010101 was identified in 5.4% (18/334). The frequency of the HLA-DRB1*010101 allele was significantly lower in patients with virological response at 12 months of LAM therapy than in patients without it (4.2 vs. 19.2%, p = 0.025). The other HLA-DRB1 alleles were not associated with virological response. HBeAg loss/seroconversion and alanine aminotransferase normalization were not associated with HLA-DRB1 alleles. CONCLUSION: The HLA-DRB1*010101 allele is closely associated with poor virological response to initial LAM therapy in CHB patients.

Histological characteristics predisposing to development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

AIMS: Longstanding liver inflammation leads to hepatic regeneration and fibrosis, which subsequently progresses to cirrhosis in some patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It remains unclear, however, if the histological severity of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may determine the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of necroinflammation and fibrosis at presentation of CHB on the development of HCC. METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of 796 biopsy-confirmed CHB patients were reviewed retrospectively for a median period of 107 months (6-218) (median age 34 years (18-64), male:female 636:160). Eighty-five per cent (680/796) of patients were treated with antiviral agents such as interferon alpha and/or lamivudine. All the patients were followed at a regular interval of 3-6 months with routine laboratory tests. Abdominal imagings together with serum alpha-fetoprotein were checked every 6-12 months to detect new HCC. Necroinflammation and fibrosis were assessed semiquantitatively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors for HCC. RESULTS: HCC developed in 3.4% (27/796) of patients during follow-up. The overall cumulative occurrence rates of HCC were 0.5% and 3.5% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age over 40 years (p<0.001), advanced fibrosis (p=0.006) and severe lobular activity (p=0.038) at presentation were independent risk factors for the development of HCC. CONCLUSION: Advanced fibrosis and severe lobular activity rather than porto-periportal activity on histology at presentation of CHB are independent predisposing risk factors for the development of HCC.

Capsaicin, a spicy component of hot pepper, induces apoptosis by activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

Capsaicin (N-vanillyl-8-methyl-alpha-nonenamide), a spicy component of hot pepper, is a homovanillic acid derivative that preferentially induces certain cancer cells to undergo apoptosis and has a putative role in cancer chemoprevention. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARgamma), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a ligand-dependent transcription factor. PAPRgamma activation results in growth arrest and/or apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the potential of capsaicin to induce apoptotic cell death in human colon cancer cells and the association of PPARgamma in the capsaicin action. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. PPARgamma and vanilloid receptor type 1 (VR-1) expressions at the protein or mRNA levels were detected by western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Apoptotic cell death was determined by DNA fragmentation and quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HT-29 human colon cancer cells expressed PPARgamma and VR-1. Treatment with capsaicin or the PPARgamma ligand troglitazone induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner in HT-29 human colon cancer cells. Capsaicin-induced cell death was completely blocked by bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, a specific PPARgamma antagonist. Capsazepine, a specific antagonist for vanilloid receptor, did not inhibit capsaicin-induced apoptosis. Our data suggest that capsaicin-induced apoptotic cell death in HT-29 human colon cancer cells could be associated with the PPARgamma pathway without the involvement of the vanilloid receptor. Capsaicin may have a beneficial effect for the treatment of colon cancer.