Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death. Since the diagnosis of HCC is difficult, in many cases patients with HCC are diagnosed advanced stage of d...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death. Since the diagnosis of HCC is difficult, in many cases patients with HCC are diagnosed advanced stage of development. Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition receptor(c-Met) axis is a key signaling pathway in HCC, either via canonical or non-canonical pathways. Available treatments against HCC based upon HGF/c-Met inhibition can increase patient lifespan, but do not reach the expected therapeutic benefits. In HCC, c-Met monomers can bind other receptor monomers, activating several noncanonical signaling pathways, leading to increased cell proliferation, invasion, motility, and drug resistance. All of these processes are enhanced by the tumor microenvironment, with stromal cells contributing to boost tumor progression through oxidative stress, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Novel treatments against HCC are being explored to modulate other targets such as microR NAs, methyltransferases, and acetyltransferases, which are all involved in the regulation of gene expression in cancer. This review compiles basic knowledge regarding signaling pathways in HCC, and compounds already used or showing potential to be used in clinical trials.展开更多
The prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(m CRC) remain poor despite the impressive improvement of treatments observed over the last 20 years that led to an increase in median overall survival from 6...The prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(m CRC) remain poor despite the impressive improvement of treatments observed over the last 20 years that led to an increase in median overall survival from 6 mo, with the only best supportive care, to approximately 30 mo with the introduction of active chemotherapy drugs and targeted agents. The monoclonal antibodies(mo Abs) cetuximab and panitumumab, directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), undoubtedly represent a major step forward in the treatment of m CRC, given the relevant efficacy in terms of progression-free survival, overall survival, response rate, and quality of life observed in several phase Ⅲ clinical trials among different lines of treatment. However, the anti-EGFR mo Abs were shown only to be effective in a subset of patients. For instance, KRAS and NRAS mutations have been identified as biomarkers of resistance to these drugs, improving the selection of patients who might derive a benefit from these treatments. Nevertheless, several other alterations might affect the response to these drugs, and unfortunately, even the responders eventually become resistant by developing secondary(or acquired) resistance in approximately 13-18 mo. Several studies highlighted that the landscape of responsible alterations of both primary and acquired resistance to anti-EGFR drugs biochemically converge into MEK-ERK and PIK3CA-AKT pathways. In this review, we describe the currently known mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to anti-EGFR mo Abs together with the various strategies evaluated to prevent, overcame or revert them.展开更多
AIM:To characterize the regeneration-associated stem cell-related phenotype of hepatocyte-derived growth factor receptor(HGFR)-expressing cells in active ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS:On the whole 38 peripheral blood...AIM:To characterize the regeneration-associated stem cell-related phenotype of hepatocyte-derived growth factor receptor(HGFR)-expressing cells in active ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS:On the whole 38 peripheral blood samples and 38 colonic biopsy samples from 18 patients with histologically proven active UC and 20 healthy control subjects were collected.After preparing tissue microarrays and blood smears HGFR,caudal type homeobox 2(CDX2),prominin-1(CD133) and Musashi-1conventional and double fluorescent immunolabelings were performed.Immunostained samples were digitalized using high-resolution Mirax Desk instrument,and analyzed with the Mirax TMA Module software.For semiquantitative counting of immunopositive lamina propria(LP) cells 5 fields of view were counted at magnification x 200 in each sample core,then mean ± SD were determined.In case of peripheral blood smears,30 fields of view with 100 μm diameter were evaluated in every sample and the number of immunopositive cells(mean ± SD) was determined.Using 337 nm UVA Laser MicroDissection system at least 5000 subepithelial cells from the lamina propria were collected.Gene expression analysis of HGFR,CDX2,CD133,leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5(Lgr5),Musashi-1 and cytokeratin20(CK20) were performed in both laser-microdisscted samples and blood samples by using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RESULTS:By performing conventional and double fluorescent immunolabelings confirmed by RT-PCR,higher number of HGFR(blood:6.7 ± 1.22 vs 38.5 ±3.18;LP:2.25 ± 0.85 vs 9.22 ± 0.65;P < 0.05),CDX2(blood:0 vs 0.94 ± 0.64;LP:0.75 ± 0.55 vs 2.11± 0.75;P < 0.05),CD133(blood:1.1 ± 0.72 vs 8.3± 1.08;LP:11.1 ± 0.85 vs 26.28 ± 1.71;P < 0.05)and Musashi-1(blood and LP:0 vs scattered) positive cells were detected in blood and lamina propria of UC samples as compared to controls.HGFR/CDX2(blood:0 vs 1± 0.59;LP:0.8 ± 0.69 vs 2.06 ± 0.72,P < 0.05)and Musashi-1/CDX2(blood and LP:0 vs scattered) coexpressions were found in blood and lamina propria of UC samples.HGFR/CD133 and CD133/CDX2 coexpressions appeared only in UC lamina propria samples.CDX2,Lgr5 and Musashi-1 expressions in UC blood samples were not accompanied by CK20 mRNA expression.CONCLUSION:In active UC,a portion of circulating HGFR-expressing cells are committed to the epithelial lineage,and may participate in mucosal regeneration by undergoing mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the effects of ethanol on the insulin- like growth factor-Ⅰ (IGF-Ⅰ) system involved in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2) and alcoholdehydrogenase (ADH) activity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. M...AIM: To evaluate the effects of ethanol on the insulin- like growth factor-Ⅰ (IGF-Ⅰ) system involved in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2) and alcoholdehydrogenase (ADH) activity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. METHODS: Hepatocytes isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated with various concentrations of ethanol for different durations of time. The cells were pretreated with SP600125 (10 μmol/L) and 4-MP (200 μmol/L), and then treated with ethanol (200 mmol/L). We then measured IGF-Ⅰ secretion, IGF-Ⅰ mRNA expression, cell viability and JNK1/2 activity by radioimmunoassay, RT-PCR, MTT assay and Western blot, respectively (n = 6). RESULTS: Ethanol induced the activity of phospho (p)-JNK1/2, reaching a maximum at 60 min and then decreasing at 180 min. The effects of ethanol on the IGF-Ⅰ system were increased at 60 min (secretion: 7.11 ± 0.59 ng/mg protein vs 4.91 ± 0.51 ng/mg, mRNA expression: 150.2% ± 10.2% vs 101.5% ± 11.3%, P = 0.045) and then decreased at 180 min (secretion: 3.89 ± 0.25 ng/mg vs 5.4 ± 0.54 ng/mg protein; mRNA expression: 41.5% ± 10.4% vs 84.7% ± 12.1%, P = 0.04), however cell viability was decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SP600125 blocked the ethanol-induced changes (at 60 min). Additionally, 4-methylpyrazole prevented the ethanol-induced decreases in the IGF-Ⅰ system, cell viability and p-JNK1/2 activity (at 180 min). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ethanol- induced p-JNK1/2 activation is associated with the IGF-Ⅰ system and cell viability in hepatocytes. Furthermore, alcohol dehydrogenase is involved in the relationship between ethanol-induced inactivation of p-JNK1/2 and the changes of the IGF-Ⅰ system and cell viability.展开更多
Objective: To explore the expression of c-Met mRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) and its relation with clinical biological behavior. Methods: In situ hybridisation was used to detect mRNA expression of c-Met in 1...Objective: To explore the expression of c-Met mRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) and its relation with clinical biological behavior. Methods: In situ hybridisation was used to detect mRNA expression of c-Met in 15 cases of non-tumor nasopharyngeal (NP), 55 cases of NPC. Results: The positive rates of c-Met mRNA in NP and NPC cells were 13.3% (2/15) and 61.8% (34/55) respectively. The expression of c-Met mRNA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, local invasion (skull base erosion), and clinical stage. In cases with cervical lymph node metastasis, local invasion, and clinical stage III and IV (UICC), the positive rates of expression of c-Met mRNA were significantly higher than that in those without the conditions mentioned above (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). But it was not significantly correlated with age, gender, histo- logic grade, and cranial nerve palsy (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The abnormal expression of c-Met gene was well correlated with the biological behavior of metastasis and invasion. To detection the expression of c-Met mRNA could serve as an important index to estimate the prognosis of NPC. C-Met may be a new diagnostic/therapeutic target of NPC.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Bushenwenyanghuayu decoction(BD),a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),on the serum concentration of nerve growth factor(NGF) and bradykinin(BK),and protein and mRNA levels of NGF and...OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Bushenwenyanghuayu decoction(BD),a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),on the serum concentration of nerve growth factor(NGF) and bradykinin(BK),and protein and mRNA levels of NGF and bradykinin B_1receptor(BKB1R) in a mouse model of endometriosis dysmenorrhea.METHODS:Seventy-five experimental female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups,15 mice each:sham,model,BD high dose(61.67 g/kg),BD low dose(15.42 g/kg),and gestrinone(0.4 mg/kg) groups.All the mice except for those in the sham group underwent auto-transplantation surgery and were gavaged estradiol valerate(0.5 mg/kg,daily for 12 days) after surgery.On the 12 th day,1 h after administration,writhing response was induced by intraperitoneal injection of oxytocin at 2 U/mouse.The writhing frequency and latency were recorded and the volume of the ectopic foci was measured.The concentration of serum NGF and BK was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,the protein expression of NGF and BKB1 R was tested by immunohistochemistry and western blotting,and NGF and BKB1 R mRNAs were detected by real-time PCR.RESULTS:Compared with the model group,the volume of the ectopic foci in the treatment groups was significantly lower(P < 0.01),the writhing frequency was decreased(P < 0.05),and the writhing latency was prolonged(P < 0.01).Compared with the sham group,serum NGF and BK levels in the model group were significantly increased(P <0.01).There were positive correlations for writhing frequency among the NGF and BK groups(P <0.01).The serum NGF and BK levels were significantly lower in the treatment groups than the model group(P < 0.05).The protein expression of NGF,BKB1 R was significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared with the model group(P < 0.01).NGF and BKB1 R mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared with the model group(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:NGF and BK/BKB1 R may play an important role in the development of endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhea,and BD was found to inhibit the development of endometriosis and relieve dysmenorrhea by influencing NGF and BK/BKB1 R mRNA and protein levels.展开更多
基金Supported by grants BIO2014-56092-R(MINECO and FEDER)No.P12-CTS-1507(Andalusian Government and FEDER)+1 种基金funds from group BIO-267(Andalusian Government)The“CIBER de Enfermedades Raras”is an initiative from the ISCIII(Spain)
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death. Since the diagnosis of HCC is difficult, in many cases patients with HCC are diagnosed advanced stage of development. Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition receptor(c-Met) axis is a key signaling pathway in HCC, either via canonical or non-canonical pathways. Available treatments against HCC based upon HGF/c-Met inhibition can increase patient lifespan, but do not reach the expected therapeutic benefits. In HCC, c-Met monomers can bind other receptor monomers, activating several noncanonical signaling pathways, leading to increased cell proliferation, invasion, motility, and drug resistance. All of these processes are enhanced by the tumor microenvironment, with stromal cells contributing to boost tumor progression through oxidative stress, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Novel treatments against HCC are being explored to modulate other targets such as microR NAs, methyltransferases, and acetyltransferases, which are all involved in the regulation of gene expression in cancer. This review compiles basic knowledge regarding signaling pathways in HCC, and compounds already used or showing potential to be used in clinical trials.
文摘The prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(m CRC) remain poor despite the impressive improvement of treatments observed over the last 20 years that led to an increase in median overall survival from 6 mo, with the only best supportive care, to approximately 30 mo with the introduction of active chemotherapy drugs and targeted agents. The monoclonal antibodies(mo Abs) cetuximab and panitumumab, directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), undoubtedly represent a major step forward in the treatment of m CRC, given the relevant efficacy in terms of progression-free survival, overall survival, response rate, and quality of life observed in several phase Ⅲ clinical trials among different lines of treatment. However, the anti-EGFR mo Abs were shown only to be effective in a subset of patients. For instance, KRAS and NRAS mutations have been identified as biomarkers of resistance to these drugs, improving the selection of patients who might derive a benefit from these treatments. Nevertheless, several other alterations might affect the response to these drugs, and unfortunately, even the responders eventually become resistant by developing secondary(or acquired) resistance in approximately 13-18 mo. Several studies highlighted that the landscape of responsible alterations of both primary and acquired resistance to anti-EGFR drugs biochemically converge into MEK-ERK and PIK3CA-AKT pathways. In this review, we describe the currently known mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to anti-EGFR mo Abs together with the various strategies evaluated to prevent, overcame or revert them.
基金Cell Analysis Laboratory, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, and the 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Oncology, Semmelweis University for their technical support
文摘AIM:To characterize the regeneration-associated stem cell-related phenotype of hepatocyte-derived growth factor receptor(HGFR)-expressing cells in active ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS:On the whole 38 peripheral blood samples and 38 colonic biopsy samples from 18 patients with histologically proven active UC and 20 healthy control subjects were collected.After preparing tissue microarrays and blood smears HGFR,caudal type homeobox 2(CDX2),prominin-1(CD133) and Musashi-1conventional and double fluorescent immunolabelings were performed.Immunostained samples were digitalized using high-resolution Mirax Desk instrument,and analyzed with the Mirax TMA Module software.For semiquantitative counting of immunopositive lamina propria(LP) cells 5 fields of view were counted at magnification x 200 in each sample core,then mean ± SD were determined.In case of peripheral blood smears,30 fields of view with 100 μm diameter were evaluated in every sample and the number of immunopositive cells(mean ± SD) was determined.Using 337 nm UVA Laser MicroDissection system at least 5000 subepithelial cells from the lamina propria were collected.Gene expression analysis of HGFR,CDX2,CD133,leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5(Lgr5),Musashi-1 and cytokeratin20(CK20) were performed in both laser-microdisscted samples and blood samples by using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RESULTS:By performing conventional and double fluorescent immunolabelings confirmed by RT-PCR,higher number of HGFR(blood:6.7 ± 1.22 vs 38.5 ±3.18;LP:2.25 ± 0.85 vs 9.22 ± 0.65;P < 0.05),CDX2(blood:0 vs 0.94 ± 0.64;LP:0.75 ± 0.55 vs 2.11± 0.75;P < 0.05),CD133(blood:1.1 ± 0.72 vs 8.3± 1.08;LP:11.1 ± 0.85 vs 26.28 ± 1.71;P < 0.05)and Musashi-1(blood and LP:0 vs scattered) positive cells were detected in blood and lamina propria of UC samples as compared to controls.HGFR/CDX2(blood:0 vs 1± 0.59;LP:0.8 ± 0.69 vs 2.06 ± 0.72,P < 0.05)and Musashi-1/CDX2(blood and LP:0 vs scattered) coexpressions were found in blood and lamina propria of UC samples.HGFR/CD133 and CD133/CDX2 coexpressions appeared only in UC lamina propria samples.CDX2,Lgr5 and Musashi-1 expressions in UC blood samples were not accompanied by CK20 mRNA expression.CONCLUSION:In active UC,a portion of circulating HGFR-expressing cells are committed to the epithelial lineage,and may participate in mucosal regeneration by undergoing mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition.
基金Funds of Chonbuk National University and grants of Brain Korea 21 project in 2007
文摘AIM: To evaluate the effects of ethanol on the insulin- like growth factor-Ⅰ (IGF-Ⅰ) system involved in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2) and alcoholdehydrogenase (ADH) activity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. METHODS: Hepatocytes isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated with various concentrations of ethanol for different durations of time. The cells were pretreated with SP600125 (10 μmol/L) and 4-MP (200 μmol/L), and then treated with ethanol (200 mmol/L). We then measured IGF-Ⅰ secretion, IGF-Ⅰ mRNA expression, cell viability and JNK1/2 activity by radioimmunoassay, RT-PCR, MTT assay and Western blot, respectively (n = 6). RESULTS: Ethanol induced the activity of phospho (p)-JNK1/2, reaching a maximum at 60 min and then decreasing at 180 min. The effects of ethanol on the IGF-Ⅰ system were increased at 60 min (secretion: 7.11 ± 0.59 ng/mg protein vs 4.91 ± 0.51 ng/mg, mRNA expression: 150.2% ± 10.2% vs 101.5% ± 11.3%, P = 0.045) and then decreased at 180 min (secretion: 3.89 ± 0.25 ng/mg vs 5.4 ± 0.54 ng/mg protein; mRNA expression: 41.5% ± 10.4% vs 84.7% ± 12.1%, P = 0.04), however cell viability was decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SP600125 blocked the ethanol-induced changes (at 60 min). Additionally, 4-methylpyrazole prevented the ethanol-induced decreases in the IGF-Ⅰ system, cell viability and p-JNK1/2 activity (at 180 min). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ethanol- induced p-JNK1/2 activation is associated with the IGF-Ⅰ system and cell viability in hepatocytes. Furthermore, alcohol dehydrogenase is involved in the relationship between ethanol-induced inactivation of p-JNK1/2 and the changes of the IGF-Ⅰ system and cell viability.
文摘Objective: To explore the expression of c-Met mRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) and its relation with clinical biological behavior. Methods: In situ hybridisation was used to detect mRNA expression of c-Met in 15 cases of non-tumor nasopharyngeal (NP), 55 cases of NPC. Results: The positive rates of c-Met mRNA in NP and NPC cells were 13.3% (2/15) and 61.8% (34/55) respectively. The expression of c-Met mRNA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, local invasion (skull base erosion), and clinical stage. In cases with cervical lymph node metastasis, local invasion, and clinical stage III and IV (UICC), the positive rates of expression of c-Met mRNA were significantly higher than that in those without the conditions mentioned above (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). But it was not significantly correlated with age, gender, histo- logic grade, and cranial nerve palsy (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The abnormal expression of c-Met gene was well correlated with the biological behavior of metastasis and invasion. To detection the expression of c-Met mRNA could serve as an important index to estimate the prognosis of NPC. C-Met may be a new diagnostic/therapeutic target of NPC.
基金Supported by Hebei University of Chinese Medicine Youth Funded Projects(Effects of Bushenwenyanghuayu Decoction on Algogenic Substances in a Mouse Model of Endometriosis Dysmenorrhea,No.QNZ2014002)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Bushenwenyanghuayu decoction(BD),a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),on the serum concentration of nerve growth factor(NGF) and bradykinin(BK),and protein and mRNA levels of NGF and bradykinin B_1receptor(BKB1R) in a mouse model of endometriosis dysmenorrhea.METHODS:Seventy-five experimental female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups,15 mice each:sham,model,BD high dose(61.67 g/kg),BD low dose(15.42 g/kg),and gestrinone(0.4 mg/kg) groups.All the mice except for those in the sham group underwent auto-transplantation surgery and were gavaged estradiol valerate(0.5 mg/kg,daily for 12 days) after surgery.On the 12 th day,1 h after administration,writhing response was induced by intraperitoneal injection of oxytocin at 2 U/mouse.The writhing frequency and latency were recorded and the volume of the ectopic foci was measured.The concentration of serum NGF and BK was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,the protein expression of NGF and BKB1 R was tested by immunohistochemistry and western blotting,and NGF and BKB1 R mRNAs were detected by real-time PCR.RESULTS:Compared with the model group,the volume of the ectopic foci in the treatment groups was significantly lower(P < 0.01),the writhing frequency was decreased(P < 0.05),and the writhing latency was prolonged(P < 0.01).Compared with the sham group,serum NGF and BK levels in the model group were significantly increased(P <0.01).There were positive correlations for writhing frequency among the NGF and BK groups(P <0.01).The serum NGF and BK levels were significantly lower in the treatment groups than the model group(P < 0.05).The protein expression of NGF,BKB1 R was significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared with the model group(P < 0.01).NGF and BKB1 R mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared with the model group(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:NGF and BK/BKB1 R may play an important role in the development of endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhea,and BD was found to inhibit the development of endometriosis and relieve dysmenorrhea by influencing NGF and BK/BKB1 R mRNA and protein levels.