This study was aimed at providing an experimental model for the research of HCC. Twelve specimens that were pathologically identified as HCC were cultured in vitro . To investigate their biological characteristics, th...This study was aimed at providing an experimental model for the research of HCC. Twelve specimens that were pathologically identified as HCC were cultured in vitro . To investigate their biological characteristics, the survived cells were morphologically展开更多
AIM To investigate the characteristics of newly established four hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (SNU 739, SNU 761, SNU 878 and SNU 886) from Korean hepatocellular cancer patients. METHODS Morphologic and g...AIM To investigate the characteristics of newly established four hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (SNU 739, SNU 761, SNU 878 and SNU 886) from Korean hepatocellular cancer patients. METHODS Morphologic and genetic studies were done. RESULTS All four lines grew as a monolayer with an adherent pattern, and their doubling times ranged from 20 to 29 hours. The viability rate was relatively high (88%-94%). Neither mycoplasmal nor bacterial contamination was present. The lines showed different patterns in fingerprinting analysis. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was integrated in the genomes of all four lines, and in all of them HBx, HBc and HBs transcripts were detected by reverse transcriptase PCR methods. Among the three cell lines used as control (Hep 3B, SK Hep1 and Hep G2), only Hep 3B showed HBx expression, and this line was used as a HBV integrated control. The RNA of albumin was detected in three lines (SNU 761, SNU 878 and SNU 886), that of transferrin in two lines (SNU 878, SNU 886), and that of IGF Ⅱ was detected in none of the cell lines. CONCLUSION These well characterized cell lines may be very useful for studying the biology of hepatocellular carcinoma in association with the hepatitis B virus.展开更多
Metastatic human HCC model is needed for the studies on mechanism and intervention of metastatic recurrence. By using orthotopic implantation of histologically intact tissues of 30 surgical specimens, a patient-like m...Metastatic human HCC model is needed for the studies on mechanism and intervention of metastatic recurrence. By using orthotopic implantation of histologically intact tissues of 30 surgical specimens, a patient-like metastatic model of human HCC in nude mice (LCI-D20) and a low metastatic model of human HCC in nude mice (LCI-D35) have been established. All mice with transplanted LCI-D20 tumors exhibited extremely high metastatic ability including spontaneous metastasis to liver, lungs, lymph nodes and peritoneal seeding. Remarkable difference was also found in expression of some of the invasiveness related genes and growth factors between the LCI-D20 and LCI-D35 tumors. PAI-1 increased gradually following tumor progression in LCI-D20 model, and correlated with tumor size and AFP level. Phasic expression of tissue intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in this model was also observed. Using corneal micropocket model, it was demonstrated that the vascular response induced by LCI-D20 tumor was stronger than that induced by LCI-D35 tumor. Similar report on metastatic human HCC model in nude mice and human HCC cell line with metastatic potential was rarely found in the literature. This LCI-D20 model has been widely used for the studies on intervention of metastasis, including anti-angiogenesis,antisense approach, metalloproteinase inhibitor, differentiation inducer, etc. It is concluded that the establishment of metastatic human HCC model in nude mice and human HCC cell line with metastatic potential will provide important models for the in vitro and in vitro study of HCC invasiveness, angiogenesis as well as intervention of HCC recurrence.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the potential roles of enhancer of zeste homolog2(EZH2), Bmi-1 and mi R-203 in cell proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell line Hep3 B.METHODS: A total of 73 patients who ...AIM: To investigate the potential roles of enhancer of zeste homolog2(EZH2), Bmi-1 and mi R-203 in cell proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell line Hep3 B.METHODS: A total of 73 patients who underwent surgical resection at Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this study. Hep3 B cells were cultivated in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at 37?℃. Vectors that containing c DNA of the EZH2 gene or mi R-203 targeted sh RNA plasmid were constructed, and then transfected into Hep3 B cells. The m RNA expression of mi R-203, EZH2, and Bmi-1 was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and the protein levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1 were detected by Western blot analysis. Effect of EZH2 or mi R-203 on cell proliferation was observed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, and cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. Besides, effect of EZH2 or mi R-203 on tumor cell invasion was detected using Transwell assay.RESULTS: The m RNA levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1 in HCC tissues and in Hep3 B cells were significantly higher compared with those in normal samples(P < 0.01), while mi R-203 level was significantly lower in HCC tissues(P < 0.01). Hep3 B cells transfected with EZH2-sh RNA or mi R-203-sh RNA showed lower expression levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1(P < 0.05). Compared with controls, Hep3 B cells transfected with EZH2-sh RNA had relative slow cell proliferation, indicating that low expression of EZH2 and Bmi-1 and overexpression of mi R-203 could inhibit Hep3 B cell proliferation(P < 0.05). The average apoptosis rate of Hep3 B cells transfected with EZH2-sh RNA vector was about 18.631%, while that of Hep3 B cells transfected with sh RNA vector was about 5.33%, suggesting that EZH2 was down-regulated by transfecting with EZH2-sh RNA, and the down-regulated EZH2 contributed to the cell apoptosis. Low expression of EZH2 and Bmi-1 and overexpression of mi R-203 could reduce Hep3 B cell invasion(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that EZH2 and Bmi-1 are up-regulated while mi R-203 is downregulated in Hep3 B cells. Mi R-203 may contribute to the metastasis and enhance apoptosis of HCC cells by regulating EZH2 and Bmi-1. Our study may provide a theoretical basis for metastasis of HCC and targeted therapy of HCC.展开更多
OBJECTIVES: To observe the biological effect of ectopic expression of angiopoietin-l and -2 cDNA onSMMC7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line and study the possible role of the angiopoietin gene in thegrowth or metas...OBJECTIVES: To observe the biological effect of ectopic expression of angiopoietin-l and -2 cDNA onSMMC7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line and study the possible role of the angiopoietin gene in thegrowth or metastasis of implantation carcinoma.METHODS: Angiopoietin-1 and -2 cDNA were subcloned into the pcDNA3 vector and subsequentlytransfected into a human SMMC7721 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line without detectableangiopoietin gene expression before transfection. Then HCC cells were injected subcutaneously into 30nude mice and the tumor growth speed and amount of newborn vasculature in the HE stained tissue wereobserved every 2 days till 3 weeks or the death of animals.RESULTS: The tumor grew faster with angiopoietin-2 expression; much more blood vessels were seen inthe tumor tissue than that without angiopoietin-2 expression. Angiopoietin-1 gene expression seems to haveno obvious effect on the increase of vasculature and tumor growth.CONCLUSIONS: The angiopoietin gene may play a role in the growth and progression of HCC andangiopoietin-2 seems to promote the angiogenesis of the tumor.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and to explore the effect of NS-398, a selective inhibitor for COX-2, on HepG-2 cell line. Methods: lmmu...Objective: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and to explore the effect of NS-398, a selective inhibitor for COX-2, on HepG-2 cell line. Methods: lmmunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to investigate COX-2 expression in 6 HCC cell lines. MTT and Flowcytometry were used to evaluate the effect of the selective inhibitor of COX-2, NS-398, on HepG-2 cell lines. Results: All six HCC cell lines showed COX-2 expression at protein level. Five out of 6 cell lines showed COX-2 expression at mRNA level. NS-398 could suppress the growth of HepG-2 cell line, in a time and dose dependant manner. Conclusion: NS-398, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, showed inhibition effect on HepG-2 HCC cell line. The efficacy of inhibition was time and dose dependent, providing a new evidence for chemoprovention of hepatocellular carcinorma with COX-2 selective inhibitors.展开更多
Drug resistance is one of the major challenges facing the success of chemotherapy against human hepatocarcinoma (HCC) as well as other types of cancer. Studies with cell lines can serve as initial screening for agents...Drug resistance is one of the major challenges facing the success of chemotherapy against human hepatocarcinoma (HCC) as well as other types of cancer. Studies with cell lines can serve as initial screening for agents that could modulate drug resistance. Development of a good experimental model of drug-resistant cells is a prerequisite for the success of such cellular studies;but could be laborious and generally time-consuming. Additionally, the high mortality rate associated with advanced HCC calls for a probe into the mechanism of resistance by developing experimental model that mimics clinical method of its treatment. Consequently, we have reported a simplified method of selection of drug-resistant hepatocarcinoma cells from human hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2) cell line using pharmacologic agents, cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). HEPG2 cell line was incubated for 24 hours with different concentrations of CDDP (0 - 20 μM) or 5-FU (0 - 100 μM). Cell viability was assayed by CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit) analysis, and the inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for CDDP and 5-FU were established by dose-dependent cytotoxicity curves. The IC50(s) were confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of cell death due to CDDP or 5-FU. Clinical method of treatment was imitated by treating the parental HEPG2 cell line in pulse, at the optimal concentration of either CDDP or 5-FU for 4 to 6 hours. Induction was repeated 6 times, whilst allowing the cells to attain at least 70% confluence between intervals of induction. The resultant drug-resistant sublines, (HEPG2CR) and (HEPG2FR) were found to be stable after over 3 months of drug withdrawal and maintenance in drug-free medium. This was done with the views of establishing a simple, efficient and direct protocol for the development of good cellular models for the study of drug resistance in liver cancer, with possible application in other cancer types.展开更多
To investigate the modulating effects of survivn antisense oligonucletode (ASODN) on the cell cycle and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721 and explore its mechanism.Methods Survivin ...To investigate the modulating effects of survivn antisense oligonucletode (ASODN) on the cell cycle and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721 and explore its mechanism.Methods Survivin ASODN was transfected into SMMC-7721 cells mediated by DOTAP liposomal reagent.Electron microscopy,flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to detect the changes in cell ultrastructure,apoptosis,cell cycle and the expression of cyclinB1 mRNA,respectively.Results After transfection of survivin ASODN,the expression of cyclinB1 mRNA in the cells significantly increased and increase in G2-M arrest and apoptosis appeared.Meanwhile,the cell ultrastructure had apoptotic changes such as chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation.Conclusion Survivin ASODN can induce the expression of cyclinB1 that may result in G2-M arrest.Consequently,apoptosis is triggered.Survivin ASODN transfection might be an improtant new treatment for HCC.14 refs,2 figs,1 tab.展开更多
AIM To study the effect of cell fusion on metastatic ability of mouse hepatocarcinoma cells and the factors involved in the process of metastasis. METHODS By the method of successively increasing the concentrations...AIM To study the effect of cell fusion on metastatic ability of mouse hepatocarcinoma cells and the factors involved in the process of metastasis. METHODS By the method of successively increasing the concentrations, cell fusion and limit dilution, 8 Ag resistant cells were selected, and HGPRT - Hca P cells and eight cloned hybridoma cells were obtained. To observe their metastatic ability, they were inoculated into mice foodtaps and the drainage lymph nodes were examined under microscope. RESULTS The end concentration of 8 Ag which was used to select HGPRT deficient Hca P cells was 30mg/L . All the cells selected died in HAT culture medium in one week. Fused cells appeared approximately 9 days later. They were round, transparent and a little larger than their parental cells. Eight clones of hybridoma cells were obtained and named as PSH1 PSH8. The metastatic rate of HGPRT - Hca P cells and PSH7 cells was 28 6% and 71 4% respectively, the difference being significant ( P <0 05). The metastatic rate of other clones was no more than 20% and there was no significant difference from HGPRT - Hca P cells ( P >0 05). CONCLUSION In normal mice splenic lymphocytes, there are some factors that could inhibit tumor metastasis, however, there are some other factors accelerating tumor cells to metastasize. The establishment of PSH7 provides an experimental model which could be used to study the factors involved in metastasis.展开更多
AIM To study the reversing effect of Chinese drug tanshinone on malignant phenotype of cancer cells.METHODS Human hepatocarcinoma cell line (SMMC-7721) was treated in vitro with 0.5mg/L tanshinone for 4 days, and vari...AIM To study the reversing effect of Chinese drug tanshinone on malignant phenotype of cancer cells.METHODS Human hepatocarcinoma cell line (SMMC-7721) was treated in vitro with 0.5mg/L tanshinone for 4 days, and variation in cell differentiation was detected.RESULTS The morphology of cancer cells was tended toward well differentiation and cell growth was markedly inhibited. BrdU uptake assay and immunohistochemical stain of PCNA showed that the BrdU labeling rate and PCNA positive rate were lower than the controls, but no difference was found statistically as compared with all transretinoic acid. Flow cytometric assay demonstrated that S phase cells decreased and G0/G1 phase cells increased. Expression of c-myc oncogene protein decreased but the c-fos oncogene protein markedly increased.CONCLUSION Tanshinone could reverse the inducing differentiation in human hepatocarcinoma cells (SMMC-7721). It may become a new prospective inducer of cell differentiation to treat cancers.展开更多
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 a...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.展开更多
Background: To induce and collect tumor-derived autophagosomes (DRibbles) from tumor cells as an antitumor vaccine by inhibiting the functions of proteasomes and lysosomes. Methods: Dendritic cells (DCs) generat...Background: To induce and collect tumor-derived autophagosomes (DRibbles) from tumor cells as an antitumor vaccine by inhibiting the functions of proteasomes and lysosomes. Methods: Dendritic cells (DCs) generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were cocultured with DRibbles, and then surface molecules of DCs, as well as surface molecules on DCs, were determined by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, immune responses of the DCs-DRibbles were examined by mixed lymphocyte reactions. Results: DRibbles significantly induced the expression of CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR on DCs. The enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA) showed that IFN-γ, levels after vaccination increased than before in most patients, but CDS+ proportion of PBMC increased only in nine patients. Higher levels of IFN-γ, were detected in the CD8+ cells than CD4+ T cells. These results suggested that DCs-DRibbles vaccine could induce antigen-specific cellular immune response on HCC and could prime strong CD8+ T cell responses, supporting it as a tumor vaccine candidate. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that HCC/DRibbles-pulsed DCs immunotherapy might be deployed as an effective antitumor vaccine for HCC immunotherapy in clinical trials.展开更多
AIM: To determine the radiosensitizing potential of docetaxel in human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells and its mechanisms.METHODS: SMMC-7721 cells were incubated with docetaxel at 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 nmoL/L ...AIM: To determine the radiosensitizing potential of docetaxel in human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells and its mechanisms.METHODS: SMMC-7721 cells were incubated with docetaxel at 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 nmoL/L for 24 h and at 0.125 and 0.25 nmol/L for 48 h before irradiation. Radiation doses were given from 0 to 10 Gy. Cell survival was measured by a standard clonogenic assay after a 9-d incubation. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) are detected after being given the same dose of docetaxel for the same time. RESULTS: The sensitization enhancement ratios (SER) for SMMC-7721 cells determined at the 50% survival level were 1.15, 1.21 and 1.49 at 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 nmol/L for pre-incubation of 24 h, respectively; the SER were 1.42, 1.67 at 0.125 and 0.25 nmol/L, for pre-incubation of 48 h, respectively. The ROS of SMMC-7721 cells increased and GSH decreased after pretreatment with the same doses of docetaxel for 24 or 48 h.CONCLUSION: A radiosensitizing effect of docetaxel could be demonstrated unambiguously in this cell line used. In addition, our data showed that the mechanism of radiopotentiation by docetaxel probably does not involve a G2/M block in SMMC-7721 cells, and ROS generation and GSH deletion may play a key role in the radiosensitizing effect of docetaxel.展开更多
During the past decades,the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has been limited to surgical resection and liver transplantation,but the prognosis is still poor.Recently,tumor immunotherapy,particularly immune c...During the past decades,the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has been limited to surgical resection and liver transplantation,but the prognosis is still poor.Recently,tumor immunotherapy,particularly immune checkpoints programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-1/PD-L1)blockade,brings a breakthrough for HCC[1,2].However,anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy is not satisfactory and the response rates were between 20%and 30%[3].How to improve the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1blockade is the main issue.展开更多
Cancer recurrence and severe side effects of currently being used chemotherapeutic agents reduce their clinical efficacy. Thus, there is a constant need to develop alternative anticancer drugs. Sustainable supply is a...Cancer recurrence and severe side effects of currently being used chemotherapeutic agents reduce their clinical efficacy. Thus, there is a constant need to develop alternative anticancer drugs. Sustainable supply is an important challenge facing marine-based drug discovery. Primmorph, a 3D cell culture system, could provide a sustainable source to produce metabolites for anticancer drugs from marine sponges. In the present work, the anticancer activity of primmorph extracts and mesohyls of Negombata magnifica, Hemimycle arabica, Crella spinulata, and Stylissa carteri sponges was evaluated. Antiproliferative activity was studied in terms of cytotoxicity, colony formation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Migration was assessed by migration assay and matrix metalloproteinase activity. The expression of proliferation and migration-related genes was analyzed using real time PCR. Migration and proliferation activities of HepG2 cells were inhibited by treatment with primmorph extracts and mesohyls of N. magnifica, H. arabica, and C. spinulata. The mesohyl of S. carteri did not show any anticancer activity although the primmorph extract led to cell cycle arrest. Among the selected sponge species, the primmorph extract of C. spinulata was the most promising anticancer agent regarding antiproliferative and antimigratory activities. In addition, primmorph extracts have the advantage of working under welldefined and controlled conditions, which allows the easy application as a bioreactor.展开更多
Objective: To study the effect of 5-Aza-2’ -deoxycytidine (5-Aza-cdR) on tumour suppressor gene p16 expres- sion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Method: Expression of pl6 mRNA and protein in hepatocellular carcino...Objective: To study the effect of 5-Aza-2’ -deoxycytidine (5-Aza-cdR) on tumour suppressor gene p16 expres- sion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Method: Expression of pl6 mRNA and protein in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and HePG2 before and after treatment with 5-Aza-cdR were analyzed via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistrty Results: The expression levels of p16 mRNA and protein were increased dramatically after treatment with 5-Aza-cdR. Conclusion: Our data show that, 5-Aza-2’ -deoxycytidine can increase the expression of pl6 gene both at transcription and translation. The findings suggested that 5-Aza-cdR may reactivate the pl6 gene by demethylation.展开更多
Objective: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical early event for the invasion and metastasis of many carcinomas. In the present study, we examined EMT markers in the residual cancer cells of hepatocell...Objective: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical early event for the invasion and metastasis of many carcinomas. In the present study, we examined EMT markers in the residual cancer cells of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiotherapy. Methods: Eight patients with large HCC who underwent hepatectomy with preoperative radiothera- py were studied. The expressions of E-cadherin and vimentin were determined immunohistochemically in the residual cancer cells of HCC following radiotherapy, and also in the pre-radiotherapy biopsy cancer cells. Results: Histological analysis showed that some residual cancer cells of HCC displayed an elongated spindle or fibroblast-like shape. The expression of E- cadherin was markedly reduced or negative in the spindle residual cancer cells, but the expression of vimentin significantly in- duced. However, the above changes were not found in the pre-radiotherapy biopsy cancer cells. Conclusion: EMT is induced in the residual cancer cells of HCC following radiotherapy, which may facilitate the systemic dissemination of cancer cells.展开更多
Objective Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)regulate tumor development and progression by promoting tumor proliferation,invasion,and metastasis.The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of lncRNA growth arrest-sp...Objective Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)regulate tumor development and progression by promoting tumor proliferation,invasion,and metastasis.The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of lncRNA growth arrest-special 5(GAS5)on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells through miR-26a-5p action.Methods Expression levels of GAS5 were detected in cancerous and paracancerous tissue of 80 HCC patients by RT-qPCR.The starBase tool predicted that GAS5 had binding sites for the miRNA miR-26a-5p,which was also highly expressed in HCC tissue.The relationship between GAS5 and miR-26a-5p was confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay.The role of these lncRNAs was further explored by transfecting plasmids into SMMC-7721 cells and classifying the cells as follows:NC group,GAS5 group,anti-miR-26a-5p group,and GAS5+miR-26a-5p group.Cell proliferation,cell cycle,and apoptosis were detected in each group.The relationship between miR-26a-5p and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10(PTEN)was analyzed by TargetScan database prediction and luciferase reporter assay.Western blotting was used to quantify PTEN,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt),cyclin D1,and human P27 protein(P27).Results GAS5 was downregulated,while miR-26a-5p was upregulated in HCC tissue compared to in paracancerous tissue.High GAS5 levels and low miR-26a-5p levels inhibited cell proliferation,increased the number of G0/G1 phase cells,promoted cell apoptosis,promoted PTEN and P27 expression,and inhibited PI3K,P-Akt,and cyclin D1 expression at the protein level.Upregulation of miR-26a-5p attenuated the effects of GAS5 upregulation on the proliferation,cell cycle,and apoptosis of HCC cells and on the expression of PTNE/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins.Conclusion Low GAS5 levels regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells via the PTNE/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and are linked to upregulation of miR-26a-5p.展开更多
文摘This study was aimed at providing an experimental model for the research of HCC. Twelve specimens that were pathologically identified as HCC were cultured in vitro . To investigate their biological characteristics, the survived cells were morphologically
文摘AIM To investigate the characteristics of newly established four hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (SNU 739, SNU 761, SNU 878 and SNU 886) from Korean hepatocellular cancer patients. METHODS Morphologic and genetic studies were done. RESULTS All four lines grew as a monolayer with an adherent pattern, and their doubling times ranged from 20 to 29 hours. The viability rate was relatively high (88%-94%). Neither mycoplasmal nor bacterial contamination was present. The lines showed different patterns in fingerprinting analysis. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was integrated in the genomes of all four lines, and in all of them HBx, HBc and HBs transcripts were detected by reverse transcriptase PCR methods. Among the three cell lines used as control (Hep 3B, SK Hep1 and Hep G2), only Hep 3B showed HBx expression, and this line was used as a HBV integrated control. The RNA of albumin was detected in three lines (SNU 761, SNU 878 and SNU 886), that of transferrin in two lines (SNU 878, SNU 886), and that of IGF Ⅱ was detected in none of the cell lines. CONCLUSION These well characterized cell lines may be very useful for studying the biology of hepatocellular carcinoma in association with the hepatitis B virus.
基金Partly supporled by the State Key Basic Research Program Grant of China(G1998051211)Leading Speciality Grant of Shanghai Health Bureau.
文摘Metastatic human HCC model is needed for the studies on mechanism and intervention of metastatic recurrence. By using orthotopic implantation of histologically intact tissues of 30 surgical specimens, a patient-like metastatic model of human HCC in nude mice (LCI-D20) and a low metastatic model of human HCC in nude mice (LCI-D35) have been established. All mice with transplanted LCI-D20 tumors exhibited extremely high metastatic ability including spontaneous metastasis to liver, lungs, lymph nodes and peritoneal seeding. Remarkable difference was also found in expression of some of the invasiveness related genes and growth factors between the LCI-D20 and LCI-D35 tumors. PAI-1 increased gradually following tumor progression in LCI-D20 model, and correlated with tumor size and AFP level. Phasic expression of tissue intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in this model was also observed. Using corneal micropocket model, it was demonstrated that the vascular response induced by LCI-D20 tumor was stronger than that induced by LCI-D35 tumor. Similar report on metastatic human HCC model in nude mice and human HCC cell line with metastatic potential was rarely found in the literature. This LCI-D20 model has been widely used for the studies on intervention of metastasis, including anti-angiogenesis,antisense approach, metalloproteinase inhibitor, differentiation inducer, etc. It is concluded that the establishment of metastatic human HCC model in nude mice and human HCC cell line with metastatic potential will provide important models for the in vitro and in vitro study of HCC invasiveness, angiogenesis as well as intervention of HCC recurrence.
文摘AIM: To investigate the potential roles of enhancer of zeste homolog2(EZH2), Bmi-1 and mi R-203 in cell proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell line Hep3 B.METHODS: A total of 73 patients who underwent surgical resection at Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this study. Hep3 B cells were cultivated in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at 37?℃. Vectors that containing c DNA of the EZH2 gene or mi R-203 targeted sh RNA plasmid were constructed, and then transfected into Hep3 B cells. The m RNA expression of mi R-203, EZH2, and Bmi-1 was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and the protein levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1 were detected by Western blot analysis. Effect of EZH2 or mi R-203 on cell proliferation was observed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, and cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. Besides, effect of EZH2 or mi R-203 on tumor cell invasion was detected using Transwell assay.RESULTS: The m RNA levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1 in HCC tissues and in Hep3 B cells were significantly higher compared with those in normal samples(P < 0.01), while mi R-203 level was significantly lower in HCC tissues(P < 0.01). Hep3 B cells transfected with EZH2-sh RNA or mi R-203-sh RNA showed lower expression levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1(P < 0.05). Compared with controls, Hep3 B cells transfected with EZH2-sh RNA had relative slow cell proliferation, indicating that low expression of EZH2 and Bmi-1 and overexpression of mi R-203 could inhibit Hep3 B cell proliferation(P < 0.05). The average apoptosis rate of Hep3 B cells transfected with EZH2-sh RNA vector was about 18.631%, while that of Hep3 B cells transfected with sh RNA vector was about 5.33%, suggesting that EZH2 was down-regulated by transfecting with EZH2-sh RNA, and the down-regulated EZH2 contributed to the cell apoptosis. Low expression of EZH2 and Bmi-1 and overexpression of mi R-203 could reduce Hep3 B cell invasion(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that EZH2 and Bmi-1 are up-regulated while mi R-203 is downregulated in Hep3 B cells. Mi R-203 may contribute to the metastasis and enhance apoptosis of HCC cells by regulating EZH2 and Bmi-1. Our study may provide a theoretical basis for metastasis of HCC and targeted therapy of HCC.
文摘OBJECTIVES: To observe the biological effect of ectopic expression of angiopoietin-l and -2 cDNA onSMMC7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line and study the possible role of the angiopoietin gene in thegrowth or metastasis of implantation carcinoma.METHODS: Angiopoietin-1 and -2 cDNA were subcloned into the pcDNA3 vector and subsequentlytransfected into a human SMMC7721 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line without detectableangiopoietin gene expression before transfection. Then HCC cells were injected subcutaneously into 30nude mice and the tumor growth speed and amount of newborn vasculature in the HE stained tissue wereobserved every 2 days till 3 weeks or the death of animals.RESULTS: The tumor grew faster with angiopoietin-2 expression; much more blood vessels were seen inthe tumor tissue than that without angiopoietin-2 expression. Angiopoietin-1 gene expression seems to haveno obvious effect on the increase of vasculature and tumor growth.CONCLUSIONS: The angiopoietin gene may play a role in the growth and progression of HCC andangiopoietin-2 seems to promote the angiogenesis of the tumor.
文摘Objective: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and to explore the effect of NS-398, a selective inhibitor for COX-2, on HepG-2 cell line. Methods: lmmunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to investigate COX-2 expression in 6 HCC cell lines. MTT and Flowcytometry were used to evaluate the effect of the selective inhibitor of COX-2, NS-398, on HepG-2 cell lines. Results: All six HCC cell lines showed COX-2 expression at protein level. Five out of 6 cell lines showed COX-2 expression at mRNA level. NS-398 could suppress the growth of HepG-2 cell line, in a time and dose dependant manner. Conclusion: NS-398, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, showed inhibition effect on HepG-2 HCC cell line. The efficacy of inhibition was time and dose dependent, providing a new evidence for chemoprovention of hepatocellular carcinorma with COX-2 selective inhibitors.
文摘Drug resistance is one of the major challenges facing the success of chemotherapy against human hepatocarcinoma (HCC) as well as other types of cancer. Studies with cell lines can serve as initial screening for agents that could modulate drug resistance. Development of a good experimental model of drug-resistant cells is a prerequisite for the success of such cellular studies;but could be laborious and generally time-consuming. Additionally, the high mortality rate associated with advanced HCC calls for a probe into the mechanism of resistance by developing experimental model that mimics clinical method of its treatment. Consequently, we have reported a simplified method of selection of drug-resistant hepatocarcinoma cells from human hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2) cell line using pharmacologic agents, cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). HEPG2 cell line was incubated for 24 hours with different concentrations of CDDP (0 - 20 μM) or 5-FU (0 - 100 μM). Cell viability was assayed by CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit) analysis, and the inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for CDDP and 5-FU were established by dose-dependent cytotoxicity curves. The IC50(s) were confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of cell death due to CDDP or 5-FU. Clinical method of treatment was imitated by treating the parental HEPG2 cell line in pulse, at the optimal concentration of either CDDP or 5-FU for 4 to 6 hours. Induction was repeated 6 times, whilst allowing the cells to attain at least 70% confluence between intervals of induction. The resultant drug-resistant sublines, (HEPG2CR) and (HEPG2FR) were found to be stable after over 3 months of drug withdrawal and maintenance in drug-free medium. This was done with the views of establishing a simple, efficient and direct protocol for the development of good cellular models for the study of drug resistance in liver cancer, with possible application in other cancer types.
文摘To investigate the modulating effects of survivn antisense oligonucletode (ASODN) on the cell cycle and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721 and explore its mechanism.Methods Survivin ASODN was transfected into SMMC-7721 cells mediated by DOTAP liposomal reagent.Electron microscopy,flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to detect the changes in cell ultrastructure,apoptosis,cell cycle and the expression of cyclinB1 mRNA,respectively.Results After transfection of survivin ASODN,the expression of cyclinB1 mRNA in the cells significantly increased and increase in G2-M arrest and apoptosis appeared.Meanwhile,the cell ultrastructure had apoptotic changes such as chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation.Conclusion Survivin ASODN can induce the expression of cyclinB1 that may result in G2-M arrest.Consequently,apoptosis is triggered.Survivin ASODN transfection might be an improtant new treatment for HCC.14 refs,2 figs,1 tab.
文摘AIM To study the effect of cell fusion on metastatic ability of mouse hepatocarcinoma cells and the factors involved in the process of metastasis. METHODS By the method of successively increasing the concentrations, cell fusion and limit dilution, 8 Ag resistant cells were selected, and HGPRT - Hca P cells and eight cloned hybridoma cells were obtained. To observe their metastatic ability, they were inoculated into mice foodtaps and the drainage lymph nodes were examined under microscope. RESULTS The end concentration of 8 Ag which was used to select HGPRT deficient Hca P cells was 30mg/L . All the cells selected died in HAT culture medium in one week. Fused cells appeared approximately 9 days later. They were round, transparent and a little larger than their parental cells. Eight clones of hybridoma cells were obtained and named as PSH1 PSH8. The metastatic rate of HGPRT - Hca P cells and PSH7 cells was 28 6% and 71 4% respectively, the difference being significant ( P <0 05). The metastatic rate of other clones was no more than 20% and there was no significant difference from HGPRT - Hca P cells ( P >0 05). CONCLUSION In normal mice splenic lymphocytes, there are some factors that could inhibit tumor metastasis, however, there are some other factors accelerating tumor cells to metastasize. The establishment of PSH7 provides an experimental model which could be used to study the factors involved in metastasis.
基金卫生部科研项目,Grant of China Medical Board of New York,INC。
文摘AIM To study the reversing effect of Chinese drug tanshinone on malignant phenotype of cancer cells.METHODS Human hepatocarcinoma cell line (SMMC-7721) was treated in vitro with 0.5mg/L tanshinone for 4 days, and variation in cell differentiation was detected.RESULTS The morphology of cancer cells was tended toward well differentiation and cell growth was markedly inhibited. BrdU uptake assay and immunohistochemical stain of PCNA showed that the BrdU labeling rate and PCNA positive rate were lower than the controls, but no difference was found statistically as compared with all transretinoic acid. Flow cytometric assay demonstrated that S phase cells decreased and G0/G1 phase cells increased. Expression of c-myc oncogene protein decreased but the c-fos oncogene protein markedly increased.CONCLUSION Tanshinone could reverse the inducing differentiation in human hepatocarcinoma cells (SMMC-7721). It may become a new prospective inducer of cell differentiation to treat cancers.
基金Supported by National Natural Scientific Foundation,No. 30872236,81070370,to Gao RPNIH 5R01AA016003,to Brigstock DR
文摘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.
基金supported by Nanjing Medical Science and Technique Development Foundation,Nanjing Department of Health (Grant:QRX11235 and Grant:ZDX12008)Jiangsu Science and Technology Project of Clinical Medicine Foundation,Science and Technology Department of Jiangsu Province (BL2014005)
文摘Background: To induce and collect tumor-derived autophagosomes (DRibbles) from tumor cells as an antitumor vaccine by inhibiting the functions of proteasomes and lysosomes. Methods: Dendritic cells (DCs) generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were cocultured with DRibbles, and then surface molecules of DCs, as well as surface molecules on DCs, were determined by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, immune responses of the DCs-DRibbles were examined by mixed lymphocyte reactions. Results: DRibbles significantly induced the expression of CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR on DCs. The enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA) showed that IFN-γ, levels after vaccination increased than before in most patients, but CDS+ proportion of PBMC increased only in nine patients. Higher levels of IFN-γ, were detected in the CD8+ cells than CD4+ T cells. These results suggested that DCs-DRibbles vaccine could induce antigen-specific cellular immune response on HCC and could prime strong CD8+ T cell responses, supporting it as a tumor vaccine candidate. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that HCC/DRibbles-pulsed DCs immunotherapy might be deployed as an effective antitumor vaccine for HCC immunotherapy in clinical trials.
文摘AIM: To determine the radiosensitizing potential of docetaxel in human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells and its mechanisms.METHODS: SMMC-7721 cells were incubated with docetaxel at 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 nmoL/L for 24 h and at 0.125 and 0.25 nmol/L for 48 h before irradiation. Radiation doses were given from 0 to 10 Gy. Cell survival was measured by a standard clonogenic assay after a 9-d incubation. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) are detected after being given the same dose of docetaxel for the same time. RESULTS: The sensitization enhancement ratios (SER) for SMMC-7721 cells determined at the 50% survival level were 1.15, 1.21 and 1.49 at 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 nmol/L for pre-incubation of 24 h, respectively; the SER were 1.42, 1.67 at 0.125 and 0.25 nmol/L, for pre-incubation of 48 h, respectively. The ROS of SMMC-7721 cells increased and GSH decreased after pretreatment with the same doses of docetaxel for 24 or 48 h.CONCLUSION: A radiosensitizing effect of docetaxel could be demonstrated unambiguously in this cell line used. In addition, our data showed that the mechanism of radiopotentiation by docetaxel probably does not involve a G2/M block in SMMC-7721 cells, and ROS generation and GSH deletion may play a key role in the radiosensitizing effect of docetaxel.
基金supported by grants from the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2016-I2M-1-001)the National High-tech Research and Development Projects(863)(2015AA020303)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31500818)
文摘During the past decades,the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has been limited to surgical resection and liver transplantation,but the prognosis is still poor.Recently,tumor immunotherapy,particularly immune checkpoints programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-1/PD-L1)blockade,brings a breakthrough for HCC[1,2].However,anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy is not satisfactory and the response rates were between 20%and 30%[3].How to improve the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1blockade is the main issue.
基金supported by the National Research Centre-Egypt [grant number 10160003]
文摘Cancer recurrence and severe side effects of currently being used chemotherapeutic agents reduce their clinical efficacy. Thus, there is a constant need to develop alternative anticancer drugs. Sustainable supply is an important challenge facing marine-based drug discovery. Primmorph, a 3D cell culture system, could provide a sustainable source to produce metabolites for anticancer drugs from marine sponges. In the present work, the anticancer activity of primmorph extracts and mesohyls of Negombata magnifica, Hemimycle arabica, Crella spinulata, and Stylissa carteri sponges was evaluated. Antiproliferative activity was studied in terms of cytotoxicity, colony formation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Migration was assessed by migration assay and matrix metalloproteinase activity. The expression of proliferation and migration-related genes was analyzed using real time PCR. Migration and proliferation activities of HepG2 cells were inhibited by treatment with primmorph extracts and mesohyls of N. magnifica, H. arabica, and C. spinulata. The mesohyl of S. carteri did not show any anticancer activity although the primmorph extract led to cell cycle arrest. Among the selected sponge species, the primmorph extract of C. spinulata was the most promising anticancer agent regarding antiproliferative and antimigratory activities. In addition, primmorph extracts have the advantage of working under welldefined and controlled conditions, which allows the easy application as a bioreactor.
文摘Objective: To study the effect of 5-Aza-2’ -deoxycytidine (5-Aza-cdR) on tumour suppressor gene p16 expres- sion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Method: Expression of pl6 mRNA and protein in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and HePG2 before and after treatment with 5-Aza-cdR were analyzed via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistrty Results: The expression levels of p16 mRNA and protein were increased dramatically after treatment with 5-Aza-cdR. Conclusion: Our data show that, 5-Aza-2’ -deoxycytidine can increase the expression of pl6 gene both at transcription and translation. The findings suggested that 5-Aza-cdR may reactivate the pl6 gene by demethylation.
基金Supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81000998)New Teachers Foundation of Ministry of Education of China (No. 20090141120003)
文摘Objective: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical early event for the invasion and metastasis of many carcinomas. In the present study, we examined EMT markers in the residual cancer cells of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiotherapy. Methods: Eight patients with large HCC who underwent hepatectomy with preoperative radiothera- py were studied. The expressions of E-cadherin and vimentin were determined immunohistochemically in the residual cancer cells of HCC following radiotherapy, and also in the pre-radiotherapy biopsy cancer cells. Results: Histological analysis showed that some residual cancer cells of HCC displayed an elongated spindle or fibroblast-like shape. The expression of E- cadherin was markedly reduced or negative in the spindle residual cancer cells, but the expression of vimentin significantly in- duced. However, the above changes were not found in the pre-radiotherapy biopsy cancer cells. Conclusion: EMT is induced in the residual cancer cells of HCC following radiotherapy, which may facilitate the systemic dissemination of cancer cells.
文摘Objective Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)regulate tumor development and progression by promoting tumor proliferation,invasion,and metastasis.The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of lncRNA growth arrest-special 5(GAS5)on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells through miR-26a-5p action.Methods Expression levels of GAS5 were detected in cancerous and paracancerous tissue of 80 HCC patients by RT-qPCR.The starBase tool predicted that GAS5 had binding sites for the miRNA miR-26a-5p,which was also highly expressed in HCC tissue.The relationship between GAS5 and miR-26a-5p was confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay.The role of these lncRNAs was further explored by transfecting plasmids into SMMC-7721 cells and classifying the cells as follows:NC group,GAS5 group,anti-miR-26a-5p group,and GAS5+miR-26a-5p group.Cell proliferation,cell cycle,and apoptosis were detected in each group.The relationship between miR-26a-5p and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10(PTEN)was analyzed by TargetScan database prediction and luciferase reporter assay.Western blotting was used to quantify PTEN,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt),cyclin D1,and human P27 protein(P27).Results GAS5 was downregulated,while miR-26a-5p was upregulated in HCC tissue compared to in paracancerous tissue.High GAS5 levels and low miR-26a-5p levels inhibited cell proliferation,increased the number of G0/G1 phase cells,promoted cell apoptosis,promoted PTEN and P27 expression,and inhibited PI3K,P-Akt,and cyclin D1 expression at the protein level.Upregulation of miR-26a-5p attenuated the effects of GAS5 upregulation on the proliferation,cell cycle,and apoptosis of HCC cells and on the expression of PTNE/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins.Conclusion Low GAS5 levels regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells via the PTNE/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and are linked to upregulation of miR-26a-5p.