Xiaoaiping injection affects the invasionand metastasis of hepatocellular carcinomaby controlling AFP expression

Objective Xiaoaiping (XAP) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is a commonly used as an anticancerdrug in clinical practice owing to its high efficiency and low toxicity. Specifically, XAP can effectively inhibitthe growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a key HCC diagnostic marker andis closely related to certain malignant cytological behaviors of HCC. However, whether AFP expression andXAP treatment are related to the invasion and metastasis of HCC remains unclear. In the present study, weaimed to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanism of XAP on the invasion and metastasis of HCC..Methods Using a cell scratch assay, Transwell technology, and western blotting we detected the differentinvasion and metastatic abilities of Hep3B cells in XAP treatment and blank control groups. This allowedcomparison of the invasion and metastatic abilities of Hep3B cells with differing levels of AFP expression.AFP mRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the mechanism of tumor invasion and metastasisassociated with AFP and XAP treatment.Results Cell invasion and metastasis abilities in the XAP group were significantly lower than those in thecontrol group (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the control group, the expression of AFP significantlydecreased after XAP treatment (P < 0.05). The ability of Hep3B cells to invade and metastasize waspromoted when AFP expression was up-regulated, whereas it was inhibited when AFP was silenced. XAPinjection and AFP regulate the invasion and metastatic ability of HCC by affecting matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs).Conclusion XAP injection inhibits the invasion and metastatic ability of HCC by influencing the expressionof AFP;additionally, this inhibition of AFP is achieved by affecting MMPs.

Connective tissue growth factor is overexpressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes cell invasion and growth

AIM:To determine the expression characteristics of connective tissue growth factor(CTGF/CCN2) in human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in histology and to elucidate the roles of CCN2 on hepatoma cell cycle progression and metastasis in vitro.METHODS:Liver samples from 36 patients(who underwent hepatic resection for the first HCC between 2006 and 2011) and 6 normal individuals were examined for transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) or CCN2 mRNA by in situ hybridization.Computer image analysis was performed to measure integrated optimal density of CCN2 mRNA-positive cells in carcinoma foci and the surrounding stroma.Fibroblast-specific protein-1(FSP-1) and E-cadherin were examined to evaluate the process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition,α-smooth muscle actin and FSP-1 were detected to identify hepatic stellate cells,and CD34 was measured to evaluate the extent of vascularization in liver tissues by immunohistochemical staining.CCN2 was assessed for its stimulation of HepG2 cell migration and invasion using commercial kits while flow cytometry was used to determine CCN2 effects on HepG2 cell-cycle.RESULTS:In situ hybridization analysis showed that TGF-β1 mRNA was mainly detected in connective tissues and vasculature around carcinoma foci.In comparison to normal controls,CCN2 mRNA was enhanced 1.9-fold in carcinoma foci(12.36 ± 6.08 vs 6.42 ± 2.35) or 9.4-fold in the surrounding stroma(60.27 ± 28.71 vs 6.42 ± 2.35),with concomitant expression of CCN2 and TGF-β1 mRNA in those areas.Epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype related with CCN2 was detected in 12/36(33.3%) of HCC liver samples at the edges between carcinoma foci and vasculature.Incubation of HepG2 cells with CCN2(100 ng/mL) resulted in more of the cells transitioning into S phase(23.85 ± 2.35 vs 10.94 ± 0.23),and induced a significant migratory(4.0-fold) and invasive(5.7-fold) effect.TGF-β1-induced cell invasion was abrogated by a neutralizing CCN2 antibody showing that CCN2 is a downstream mediator of TGF-β1-induced hepatoma cell invasion.CONCLUSION:These data support a role for CCN2 in the growth and metastasis of HCC and highlight CCN2 as a potential novel therapeutic target.

Relationship between expression of CD44v6 and nm23-H1 and tumor invasion and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM To detect the expression of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by in situ hybridization, and to evaluate the relationship between their expression and also relationship between their expressions and tumor invasion and metastasis.METHODS CD44v6 cDNA probe was synthesized with PCR technique and the nm23-H1 cRNA probe by in vitro transcription. The expression of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization.RESULTS In group with high invasion and metastasis potential, the positive rates of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA were 80% (8/10) and 40% (4/10), in group with poor invasion and metastasis potential, they were 21.7% (5/23) and 91.3% (21/23). There was a positive correlation between the expression of CD44v6 mRNA and tumor invasion and metastasis potential in HCC (P＜0.01), and a reverse correlation between the expression of nm23-H1 mRNA and tumor invasion and metastasis potential (P＜0.01) and a reverse correlation in the expression between CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA in HCC (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Detection of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA may be useful for tumor invasion and metastasis in HCC.INTRODUCTIONCD44 is a cell surface transmembrane glycoprotein. As a kind of adhesive molecule, it participates in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and interactions. Many studies revealed a correlation between high-level expression of CD44, especially CD44v and tumor invasion, metastasis and prognosis. The exon 6v containing isoforms may be an independent diagnostic parameter[1,2]. Some other studies, however, had different results[3,4]. Some researches showed a reverse correlation between the expression of nm23-H1 mRNA and tumor metastasis[5,6]. In order to evaluate the relationship between the expression of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA and tumor invasive and metastatic potential in HCC and to evaluate the relationship in the expression between CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA, we detected their expression in HCC by in situ hybridization.

Association between vascular endothelial growth factor and metastasis after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia up-regulates vascular endothelialgrowth factor (VEGF) and stimulates the growth of hepa-tocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. This study was designedto investigate the association between changes in plasmaVEGF levels after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) and HCC progression, especially in relation tometastasis.METHODS: Plasma VEGF levels were measured by quati-tative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA R&D system). Plasma VEGF levels were measuredbefore, 3 days and 4 weeks after TACE in 30 patients withHCC. The development of metastasis was evaluated at theend of the third month after TACE.RESULTS: The plasma VEGF levels of the 30 patients withHCC were 154.47±90.17 pg/ml. The total plasma VEGFlevels after TACE increased compared with their basal levels(P<0.05), and the plasma VEGF levels had a tendency toincrease in patients with heterogenous uptake of iodizdoiland portal vein thrombosis. Follow-up for six monthsshowed metastatic foci in 20 patients (74%) with increasedplasma VEGF, but none of the patients with decreased plas-ma VEGF developed metastasis.CONCLUSION: Increased plasma VEGF expression is asso-ciated with the development of metastasis in HCC after TA-CE.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Relationship to Tumor Growth and Metastasis

To understand the relationship between the expression of vasCular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the growth, metastasis of hepatocellular car cinoma (HCC), immunohistochemistry and Northern blot were used to investigate VEGF protein and mRNA in 21 cases of HCC with and without rnetastasis.VEGF protein was found in 8 of 9 cases with metastasis, whereas only in 4 of 12 cases without rnetastasis. The Positive rate of the former was significantly higher than that in the latter. VEGF mRNA was detectable in both carcinoma and its surrounding liver tissues, but its level in the former was 2 - 3 times higher than that in the latter. In carcinoma with metastasis, the mRNA level was 5-6 times higher than that without metastasis. It is concluded that VEGF Is closely related to the growth of HCC as well as its metastasis and it might be a useful indicator for the metastatic potential of HCC.

Immunohistochemical assessment of angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma and surrounding cirrhotic liver tissues

AIM: To investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was over-expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or in surrounding cirrhotic liver tissues.METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of VEGF proteins in HCC tissues from 105 consecutive patients undergoing curative resection for HCC. The immunostaining results and related clinicopathologic materials were analyzed with statistical methods. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival curves, and Log-rank test was performed to compare differences in survival rates of the patients with positive HCC staining and negative VEGF.RESULTS: VEGF-positive expression was found in 72 of105 HCC patients (68.6%). Capsular infiltration (P= 0.005),vascular invasion (P = 0.035) and intrahepatic metastasis(P=0.008) were observed more frequently in patients with VEGF-positive expression than in those with VEGFnegative expression. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that VEGF-positive expression was associated with a shorter overall survival (P = 0.014). VEGF-positive expression was found in 47 of tissues 68 HCC (69.1%), and VEGF-positive expression was found in 54 of 68 surrounding cirrhotic liver tissues (79.4%). VEGF-positive expression was significantly higher in surrounding cirrhotic liver tissues than in HCC (P= 0.017).CONCLUSION: VEGF may play an important role in the angiogenesis and prognosis of HCC, as well as in the angiogenesis of liver cirrhosis.

Overexpression of TIMP-1 mediated by recombinant adenovirus in hepatocellular carcinoma cells inhibits proliferation and invasion in vitro

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and its natural tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are involved in cancer progression. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of overexpression of TIMP-1 on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell growth, proliferation,and invasion. METHODS: Employing the efficient AdEasy?system, recombinant adenovirus AdTIMP-1 containing full-length cDNA of TIMP-1 was generated by homologous recombination and amplified in 293 cells. Then, human HCC cell line (HepG2) underwent gene transfection to overexpress TIMP-1 (so-called HepG-T cells). The mRNA and protein expressions of TIMP-1 were detected with RTPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The ultrastructure was observed with a transmission electron microscope and the proliferation of HepG-T cells was determined by MTT assay and growth curve. The potential of in vitro invasion was measured with Millicell Chamber. RESULTS: The resulting AdTIMP-1 and HepG-T cells were generated and the expression of TIMP-1 was detected in vitro. The cell proliferation curves and MTT assay showed HepG-T cells’ growth, and proliferation were obviously inhibited. The invasion across Matrigel-coated filters was significantly decreased compared with controls. The suppression rate of HepG-2 cells with AdhTIMP-1 transfection was 50%, and AdhTIMP-1 transfection inhibited by more than 91.6% of the invasion into the Matrigel-coated filter (P【0.01). CONCLUSIONS: TIMP-1 overexpression results in the suppression of proliferative and invasive potential of HepG2 cells in vitro. This study demonstrates the potential role of TIMP-1 as a target for liver cancer gene therapy and has laid a foundation for further study on its anticancer function.

Concomitant lung metastasis in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the clinical features and prognostic factors of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)patients presenting with lung metastasis at initial diagnosis. METHODS:Between 2001 and 2010,we recruited 76 consecutive HCC patients initially presenting with lung metastasis,without co-existing metastasis from other sites.These patients were divided into three groups:untreated group(n=22),single treatment group(n= 19),and combined treatment group(n=35). RESULTS:Metastasis of bilateral lung lobes was common and noted in 35 patients(46.1%),and most of patients(59/76,77.6%)presented with multiple lung metastatic nodules.Nineteen patients(25.0%) received single-method treatment,including hepatectomy in 4,transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in 6,radiotherapy in 5,and oral sorafenib in 4.Thirty-five patients(46.1%)received combined treatment modalities.The overall median survival of the all patients was 8.7±0.6 mo;4.1±0.3,6.3±2.5 and 18.6±3.9 mo, respectively in the untreated group,single treatment group and combined treatment group,respectively, with a significant difference(log-rank test,P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that Child-Pugh score, the absence or presence of portal vein tumor thrombus,and treatment modality were three independent prognostic factors affecting survival of patients with advanced HCC and concomitant lung metastasis. CONCLUSION:Combined treatment modalities tend to result in a better survival as compared with the conservative treatment or single treatment modality for HCC patients initially presenting with lung metastasis.

Lowered HGK expression inhibits cell invasion and adhesion in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2

AIM:To investigate the effects of RNA interference tar-geting hepatocyte progenitor kinase-like kinase(HGK) in the invasion and adhesion of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell line HepG2.METHODS:Three paired insert DNA fragments specif ic to HGK gene and one negative control DNA fragment were synthesized and inserted into RNAi-Ready pSIREN-RetroQ-ZsGreen vector.Western blotting assay and real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) were used to screen the vector with a highest inhibitory rate.The vector was used to generate recom-binant retrovirus specif ic to HGK.3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2h-tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay was used to examine cell growth;wound closure assay and cell adhesion assay were employed to investigate cell migration and adhesion respectively;and transwell assay and three-dimensional culture invasion assay were used to detect cell invasion.The expressions of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2,MMP-9 and nuclear factor(NF)-κB were detected by Western blotting assay.RESULTS:The real time RT-PCR and Western blotting assay showed that cells transfected with retrovirus me-diating RNAi targeting of HGK(RV-shHGK)-1 vector had the strongest inhibition of HGK protein,with an inhibi-tion rate of 76%,and this vector was used to generate recombinant retrovirus RV-shHGK-1.Cell adhesion assay and MTT assay found that cell adhesion and growth of the cells infected with RV-shHGK-1 were significantly lower than those of the control cells(P < 0.05).Wound closure assay,transwell assay and three-dimensional culture invasion assay showed that the cell invasiveness was significantly less in HGK knockdown cells than in the control cells(P < 0.05).The expressions of MMP-2,MMP-9 and NF-κB were inhibited in HepG2 cells infected with RV-shHGK-1.CONCLUSION:Down-regulation of HGK can obviously inhibit the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells in vitro.HGK may be a new therapeutic target for treatment of HCC.

Inhibitory effect of dimeric β peptide on the recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in mice

AIM:To block the adhesion of tumor cells to the extra- cellular matrix, and prevent tumor metastasis and recur- rence, the dimer of the β peptide (DLYYLMDLSYSMKG- GDLYYLMDLSYSMK, β2) was designed and synthesized and its anti-adhesion and anti-invasion effects on hepa- tocellular carcinoma cells were assessed. Additionally, its influence on the metastasis and recurrence of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma was measured. METHODS:The anti-adhesion effect of β2 on the highly metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCCLM6 cells and fibronectin (FN) was assayed by the MTT as- say. The inhibition of invasion of HCCLM6 cells by β2 was observed using a Transwell (modified Boyden chamber) and matrigel. Using the hepatocellular carcinoma metas- tasis model and LCI-D20 nude mice, the influence of β2 on the metastasis and recurrence of hepatocellular carci- noma after early resection was investigated. RESULTS:HCCLM6 cells co-incubated with 100 mmol/L, 50 mmol/L, 20 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L β2 for 3 h showed an obvious decrease in adhesion to FN. The adhesion inhibition ratios were 11.8%, 21.7%, 29.6% and 48.7%, respectively. Additionally, HCCLM6 cells cultured with 100 mmol/L β2 had a dramatic decrease in cell invasion. β2 was also observed to inhibit the incisal edge recur- rence and the distant metastasis of nude mice hepato- cellular carcinoma after early resection (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:The β2 peptide can specifically block the adhesion and invasion of HCCLM6 cells, and can inhibit HCC recurrence and metastasis of LCI-D20 model pos-thepatectomy in vivo. Thus, β2 should be further studied as a new anti-tumor drug.

Features of extrahepatic metastasis after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Extrahepatic metastasis(EHM)of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is associated with poor outcomes.However,the clinical features and risk factors of EHM of HCC after radiofrequency ablation(RFA)remain unclear.AIM To elucidate the characteristics and risk factors of EHM after RFA for HCC.METHODS From January 2008 to December 2017,we retrospectively enrolled 661 patients who underwent RFA as first-line treatment for HCC at 2 tertiary hospitals.The inclusion criteria were age≥18 years,a diagnosis of HCC,and treatment-naivety.Abdominal computed tomography(CT)or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and alpha-fetoprotein measurements were routinely performed at 1 mo after RFA and followed-up at intervals of 3-6 mo.Univariate analyses were performed using the chi-squared test or Student’s t-test,and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed via logistic regression,as appropriate.RESULTS EHM was diagnosed in 44 patients(6.7%)during a median follow-up period of 1204 days.The 10-year cumulative rate of HCC recurrence and EHM was 92.7%and 33.7%,respectively.Initial recurrence was most often intrahepatic,and the rate of extrahepatic recurrence at initial recurrence was only 1.2%.The median time to the diagnosis of EHM was 2.68 years,and 68.2%of patients developed EHM within 2 years of the first recurrence,regardless of recurrence-free survival and 75.0%of patients developed EHM within 5 years after first recurrence.EHM was mostly diagnosed via abdominal CT/MRI in 33(75.0%)and 38 of 44 patients(86.4%)with EHM had either positive abdominal CT scan results or serum AFP level elevation.In multivariate analysis,recurrence-free survival<2 years,ablation zone/tumor size<2,and alpha-fetoprotein level>400 IU/mL were associated with a high EHM risk.CONCLUSION EHM occurs following multiple intrahepatic recurrences after RFA and combined contrast-enhanced abdominal CT and serum AFP were useful for surveillance.Patients especially with high-risk factors require close follow-up for EHM.

VEGF in hepatocellular carcinoma and surrounding cirrhotic liver tissues

We read with a great interest the recent work of Deli and colleagues. in the World Journal of Gastroenterology reporting vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） expression in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） and cirrhotic liver tissues. This well-documented work shows that VEGF was significantly higher in surrounding cirrhotic liver tissues than in HCC. Authors assessed VEGF expression using immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical staining is an efficient tool to assess the percentage of cells stained positively for VEGF but is not really efficient to estimate their true VEGF content. Evaluation of the VEGF protein by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 0ELISA） has been reported, by us and others, to be an efficient tool in order to assess tissue VEGF expression. We have, thus, tested whether the ELISA method might be an efficient tool in order to confirm data reporting higher amounts of VEGF in surrounding cirrhotic liver tissues than in HCC. Deli and colleagues. also correctly pointed out that basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） has been reported to act cooperatively on VEGF expression. We have, thus, also assessed bFGF tissue levels in order to search for a putative link between VEGF and bFGF levels in cirrhotic tissues.

Study on the mechanism of tRNA-ValAAC-5 in promoting the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Objective:To demonstrate the role and mechanism of tRNA-ValAAC-5 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells.Methods:The expression levels of tRNA-ValAAC-5 in HCC(Hep3B,HuH7,SNU398,Hep3G2)and human hepatocellular carcinoma(THLE2,THLE3)were detected by real-time PCR.HEP3B and Hep3G2 cells were respectively transfected with tRNA-ValAAC-5-inhibitor and tRNA-ValAAC-5-NC as the inhibitor group and the NC group.Then the ability of cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and the ability of invasion and metastasis was detected by Transwell assay.The protein expression levels of p21,Matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)and Matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9)were determined by Western blot.Results:The relative expression of tRNA-ValAAC-5 in Hep3B,HuH7,SNU398 and Hep3G2 cells were significantly higher than THLE2 and THLE3 cells,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).After tRNA-ValAAC-5-inhibitor transfection,the expression of tRNA-ValAAC-5 in Hep3B and Hep3G2 cells were reduced than tRNA-ValAAC-NC group.Both of the differences were statistically significant(t=36.52,27.45,P<0.001),which indicated the transfection was successful.The proliferative ability of Hep3B and Hep3G2 cells transfected with tRNA-ValAAC-5-inhibitor after 24,48,72,96 h were inhibited effectively compared with tRNA-ValAAC-5-NC group.All of the differences were statistically significant in Hep3B(t=5.25,8.23,7.33,14.16,P<0.001)and Hep3G2(t=4.25,5.11,9.39,7.59,P<0.001)cells.The number of invasion and metastasis of Hep3B and Hep3G2 cells were reduced in tRNA-ValAAC-5-inhibitor group compared with tRNA-ValAAC-5-NC group,there was significant difference(t=14.01,21.85,P<0.001).The protein expression levels of P21 were lower,MMP2 and MMP9 were higher in tRNA-ValAAC-5-inhibitor group compared with tRNA-ValAAC-5-NC group,the differences were statistically significant in Hep3B(t=8.96,12.80,4.652,P<0.001)cells and Hep3G2(t=15.17,22.36,12.61,P<0.001)cells.Conclusion:tRNA-ValAAC-5 can effectively promote the proliferation,invasion and metastasis of HCC,and its possible mechanism is related to regulating the expression of p21,MMP2 and MMP9.

Vascular Invasion, Satellite Nodules and Absence of Tumor Capsule Strongly Correlate with Disease-Free Survival and Long-Term Outcome in Patients Resected for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancer in the world. Liver resection (LR) is the most used therapy in well compensated liver cirrhosis and maybe used as a first-line treatment. Aim of the study is to evaluate survival rates in patients who underwent LR for HCC and to identify risk factors able to influence the prognosis. Material/Method: A retrospective study was carried out in 115 patients whounderwent LR for HCC. We evaluated overall and disease-free survival rates at 1, 3 and 5years (y) and a series of variables included: type of resection, clamping, blood loss, transfusions, tumor size, presence of capsule, satellite nodules and vascular invasion. Results: The 1-, 3-, 5-y survival rates were 90.2%, 67% and 52.7%, and disease-free survival rates were 75.3%, 44.7% and 28.4%, respectively. We have found presence/ absence of capsulated tumor (p = 0.05), satellite nodules (p = 0.004) and vascular invasion (p = 0.001) as factors able to influence the overall survival and the disease-free survival (p = 0.04 for capsulated tumor, p = 0.01 for satellite nodules and p = 0.006 for vascular invasion). Conclusion: LR is the best therapeutic option for HCC when liver transplantation is contraindicated, with good survival rates. Presence of capsule, satellite nodules and vascular invasion are the most important factors able to influence the prognosis.

The study of anti-hepatitis drug dimethyl dicarboxylate biphenyl on invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97-H cells and its active mechanisms

Objective： To assess the anti-invasive effect of DDB and its possible active mechanism in human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97-H with high metastasis potential. Methods： MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of DDB to MHCC97-H cells and the anti-adhesion of DDB on MHCC97-H cells to laminin （LN） and fibronectin （FN）. The anti-invasive effect of DDB was detected by the transwell chamber experiment. VEGF, nm23-H1 and uPAR mRNA transcriptions were determined by RT-PCR assay. The secretion and expression of a-fetal protein （AFP） were analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Results： DDB at non-cytotoxic concentrations （10, 50 and 100 μmol/L） obviously inhibited the adhesion of MHCC97-H on LN and FN. In the transwell chamber experiment, the inhibition rates of the invasion of DDB 50 and 100 μmol/L on MHCC97-H cells were 25.8% and 32.3%, respectively. By RT-PCR assay, DDB 50 and 100 μmol/L decreased VEGF, nm23-H1 and uPAR mRNA expressions in MHCC97-H cells. The ELISA assay showed that 50, 100 and 200 μmol/L DDB decreased the AFP secretion of MHCC97-H cells, the inhibitory rates were 16.5%, 17.5% and 48.5%, respectively. DDB also decreased the expression of AFP in MHCC97-H cells by flow cytometry assay. Conclusion： DDB, an anti-hepatitis drug, at non-cytotoxic concentrations showed significant anti-invasion effect in human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97-H cells, and the inhibition of VEGF, nm23-H1 and uPAR expression should contribute to the anti-invasion property of DDB.

The switch triggering the invasion process:Lipid metabolism in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

In humans,the liver is a central metabolic organ with a complex and unique histological microenvironment.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),which is a highly aggressive disease with a poor prognosis,accounts for most cases of primary liver cancer.As an emerging hallmark of cancers,metabolic reprogramming acts as a runaway mechanism that disrupts homeostasis of the affected organs,including the liver.Specifically,rewiring of the liver metabolic microenvironment,including lipid metabolism,is driven by HCC cells,propelling the phenotypes of HCC cells,including dissemination,invasion,and even metastasis in return.The resulting formation of this vicious loop facilitates various malignant behaviors of HCC further.However,few articles have comprehensively summarized lipid reprogramming in HCC metastasis.Here,we have reviewed the general situation of the liver microenvironment and the physiological lipid metabolism in the liver,and highlighted the effects of different aspects of lipid metabolism on HCC metastasis to explore the underlying mechanisms.In addition,we have recapitulated promising therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism and the effects of lipid metabolic reprogramming on the efficacy of HCC systematical therapy,aiming to offer new perspectives for targeted therapy.

Effects and Mechanism of Oxymatrine on Proliferation,Invasion and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

[Objectives] To observe the effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation,invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells,and to explore its possible molecular mechanism.[Methods]The hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep G2 was randomly divided into the negative control group and the low,medium and high concentration groups of oxymatrine.The negative control group was added to the cell culture medium,and the low,medium and high concentration groups of oxymatrine were added to the oxymatrine and cell culture medium with the final concentration of 1.0,2.0 and 4.0 mg/m L.The proliferation of each group was measured by MTT assay,and the inhibition rate of cell proliferation was calculated.The invasion and migration ability of each group was determined using Transwell chamber assay.The expression of E-cadherin and CD44 mRNA in each group was detected using Real-time PCR,while the expression of E-cadherin and CD44 protein was detected using Western blotting method.[Results] The inhibition rate of cell proliferation in the high concentration group of oxymatrine was higher than that in the medium and low concentration groups,and the inhibition rate of cell proliferation of medium concentration group was higher than that in the low concentration group.In the cell invasion and cell migration experiments,the number of transmembrane cells of low,medium and high concentration groups of oxymatrine was less than that in the negative control group(P < 0.05),the number of transmembrane cells of high concentration groups of oxymatrine was less than that in medium and low concentration groups,and the number of transmembrane cells of medium concentration group was less than in that of the low concentration group(P < 0.05).Compared with the negative control group,the expression of E-cadherin mRNA and protein increased in the low,medium and high concentration groups of oxymatrine,while the expression of CD44 mRNA and protein decreased(P < 0.05).[Conclusions] Oxymatrine has the effect of inhibiting the proliferation,invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep G2 in vitro.The higher the concentration,the more significant the effect will be.The mechanism is possibly connected with the up-regulation of E-cadherin expression and down-regulation of CD44 expression.

RING finger and WD repeat domain 3 regulates proliferation and metastasis through the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)exhibits high invasiveness and mortality rates,and the molecular mechanisms of HCC have gained increasing research interest.The abnormal DNA damage response has long been recognized as one of the important factors for tumor occurrence and development.Recent studies have shown the potential of the protein RING finger and WD repeat domain 3(RFWD3)that positively regulates p53 stability in response to DNA damage as a therapeutic target in cancers.AIM To investigate the relationship between HCC and RFWD3 in vitro and in vivo and explored the underlying molecular signalling transduction pathways.METHODS RFWD3 gene expression was analyzed in HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues.Lentivirus was used to stably knockdown RFWD3 expression in HCC cell lines.After verifying the silencing efficiency,Celigo/cell cycle/apoptosis and MTT assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis.Subsequently,cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing and transwell assays.In addition,transduced cells were implanted subcutaneously and injected into the tail vein of nude mice to observe tumor growth and metastasis.Next,we used lentiviral-mediated rescue of RFWD3 shRNA to verify the phenotype.Finally,the microarray,ingenuity pathway analysis,and western blot analysis were used to analyze the regulatory network underlying HCC.RESULTS Compared with adjacent tissues,RFWD3 expression levels were significantly higher in clinical HCC tissues and correlated with tumor size and TNM stage(P<0.05),which indicated a poor prognosis state.RFWD3 silencing in BEL-7404 and HCC-LM3 cells increased apoptosis,decreased growth,and inhibited the migration in shRNAi cells compared with those in shCtrl cells(P<0.05).Furthermore,the in vitro results were supported by the findings of the in vivo experiments with the reduction of tumor cell invasion and migration.Moreover,the rescue of RFWD3 shRNAi resulted in the resumption of invasion and metastasis in HCC cell lines.Finally,gene expression profiling and subsequent experimental verification revealed that RFWD3 might influence the proliferation and metastasis of HCC via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.CONCLUSION We provide evidence for the expression and function of RFWD3 in HCC.RFWD3 affects the prognosis,proliferation,invasion,and metastasis of HCC by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.

Prognostic value of postoperative complication for early recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Postoperative complications may adversely affect oncological outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of postoperative complications on early-phase recurrence after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods: We included 145 HCC patients who underwent initial and curative resection between January2004 and December 2013. Postoperative complications of grade III or higher based on Clavien–Dindo classification were defined as clinically relevant postoperative complications. Recurrence within two years after hepatectomy was defined as early-phase recurrence.Results: Thirty-eight patients(26%) developed postoperative complications. The only predictive factor for postoperative complication was longer operative duration(P = 0.037). The disease-specific survival rate of patients with complication was lower than that of patients without complications(P = 0.015). Earlyphase recurrence was observed in 20/38(53%) patients who suffered postoperative complications and36/107(34%) patients with no complications, which was statistically significant(P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis identified four factors contributing to early-phase recurrence: high serum AFP level(P = 0.042),multiple tumors(P < 0.001), poor differentiation(P = 0.036) and presence of postoperative complication(P = 0.039).Conclusions: Postoperative complication is an independent prognostic factor for early-phase recurrence after curative resection of HCC. Close observation of patients with postoperative complications may be a necessary treatment strategy for HCC.

Role of tissue factor in hepatocellular carcinoma genesis, invasion and metastasis

Background Numerous studies indicate that tissue factor （TF）, namely tissue thromboplastin, has a close relationship with malignant tumor genesis and progress. It contributes to blood coagulation as well as the regulation of cellular differentiation, the formation of blood vessels, and also tumor recurrence and metastasis. The present study aimed to detect TF expression in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） patients and to elucidate its association with prognosis and clinical features of the disease. Methods The plasma TF levels of 50 HCC patients and 30 controls were assayed by ELISA. The expressions of TF mRNA and protein in HCC tissues, adjacent tissues and normal tissues were detected by reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and Western blotting. The acquired data were analyzed with related clinic-pathological documents. The patients were followed up for five years, and the relationship between TF and prognosis was analyzed. Results The plasma TF levels were significantly increased in HCC compared to the controls （P 〈0.05）, presenting a close relationship with differentiation level, tumor size and hepatocirrhosis occurrence （P 〈0.05）. There were remarkably higher values in cases of lymphatic metastasis, extrahepatic metastasis and portal tumor thrombus （PTT） （P 〈0.05） compared to non-metastasis or non-tumor thrombus, but no significant difference with different focus number or envelope （P 〉0.05）. The positive rates and the relative expression of TF mRNA in HCC tissue were 63.0% （17/27） and 0.567±0.268, respectively, significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues or normal tissues （P 〈0.05）. In the patients with positive results, the relative expression intensity varied significantly with different tumor size and index of local invasion and metastasis （P 〈0.05）. The positive rates and the relative expression intensities of TF protein in HCC tissue were 74.1% （20/27） and 4.093±1.256, respectively, significantly higher than those in adjacent tissue or normal tissue （P 〈0.05）. In the patients with positive results, the relative expression intensity showed significant difference in different tumor size, differentiation level, and index of local invasion and metastasis （P 〈0.05）. Conclusions The TF levels were significantly higher in plasma and tissues of HCC patients, presenting a close relationship with the index of invasion and metastasis. It indicated that TF might be related to differentiation and metastasis of HCC.