LncRNA-ATB promotes autophagy by activating Yes-associated protein and inducing autophagy-related protein 5 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in many diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is a metabolic pathway that facilitates cancer cell survival in response to stress. The relationship between autophagy and the lncRNA-activated by transforming growth factor beta (lncRNA-ATB) in HCC remains unknown. AIM To explore the influence of lncRNA-ATB in regulating autophagy in HCC cells and the underlying mechanism. METHODS In the present study, we evaluated lncRNA-ATB expression in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues from 72 HCC cases by real-time PCR. We evaluated the role of lncRNA-ATB in the proliferation and clonogenicity of HCC cells in vitro. The effect of lncRNA-ATB on autophagy was determined using a LC3-GFP reporter and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the mechanism by which lncRNA-ATB regulates autophagy was explored by immunofluorescence staining, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Western blot. RESULTS The expression of lncRNA-ATB was higher in HCC tissues than in normal liver tissues, and lncRNA-ATB expression was positively correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, and poorer survival of patients with HCC. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of lncRNA-ATB promoted cell proliferation and clonogenicnity of HCC cells in vitro. LncRNA-ATB promoted autophagy by activating Yesassociated protein (YAP). Moreover, lncRNA-ATB interacted with autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) mRNA and increased ATG5 expression. CONCLUSION LncRNA-ATB regulates autophagy by activating YAP and increasing ATG5 expression. Our data demonstrate a novel function for lncRNA-ATB in autophagy and suggest that lncRNA-ATB plays an important role in HCC.

Oncological outcomes and predictors of radiofrequency ablation of colorectal cancer liver metastases

BACKGROUND Surgical resection is considered the standard treatment option for long-term survival in colorectal cancer liver metastasis(CRLM)patients,but only a small number of patients are suitable for resection following diagnosis.Radiofrequency ablation(RFA)is an accepted alternative therapy for CRLM patients who are not suitable for resection.However,the relatively high rate of local tumor progression(LTP)is an obstacle to the more widespread use of RFA.AIM To determine the oncological outcomes and predictors of RFA in CRLM patients.METHODS A retrospective analyze was performed on the clinical data of 85 consecutive CRLM patients with a combined total of 138 liver metastases,who had received percutaneous RFA treatment at our institution from January 2013 to December 2018.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed the first month after RFA to assess the technique effectiveness of the RFA and to serve as a baseline for subsequent evaluations.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival(OS)and LTP-free survival(LTPFS).The log-rank test and Cox regression model were used for univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the predictors of the oncological outcomes.RESULTS There were no RFA procedure-related deaths,and the technique effectiveness of the treatment was 89.1%(123/138).The median follow-up time was 30 mo.The LTP rate was 32.6%(45/138),and the median OS was 36 mo.The 1-,3-,and 5-year OS rates were 90.6%,45.6%,and 22.9%,respectively.Univariate analysis revealed that tumor size and ablative margin were the factors influencing LTPFS,while extrahepatic disease(EHD),tumor number,and tumor size were the factors influencing OS.Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size larger than 3 cm and ablative margin of 5 mm or smaller were the independent predictors of shorter LTPFS,while tumor number greater than 1,size larger than 3 cm,and presence of EHD were the independent predictors of shorter OS.CONCLUSION RFA is a safe and effective treatment method for CRLM.Tumor size and ablative margin are the important factors affecting LTPFS.Tumor number,tumor size,and EHD are also critical factors for OS.