MedWorm: Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Six novel ATP2C1 mutations identified in Chinese patients with Hailey–Hailey disease

Journal of Dermatological Science — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:28:25 +0100

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) (OMIM 169600), also known as familial benign chronic pemphigus, is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited dermatosis. It is characterized by suprabasal separation (acantholysis) of the epidermis resulting in recurrent blisters, crusted erosions, and warty papules that occur mainly on the body folds, particularly the groin, axillary region, the neck, perianal, and submammary region. Painful erosions in the intertriginous areas may become hypertrophic and malodorous, and even mild disease can affect the quality of life . In occasional cases, the lesions may develop into squamous cell carcinomas . Additionally, liver injury and contact allergies have also been described in patients with HHD . (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Imaging Response in the Primary Index Lesion and Clinical Outcomes Following Transarterial Locoregional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma [Original Contribution]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

Conclusions Among a group of patients with HCC, agreement for classification of therapeutic response was high between the RECIST and WHO guidelines but low between each of these and EASL. Application of these methods to measure response in a primary index lesion resulted in statistically significant correlations with disease progression and survival. (Source: JAMA)

Novel interventional radiology treatment with microspheres shows promise for liver cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(Society of Interventional Radiology) An interventional radiology treatment -- the use of intra-arterial yttrium-90 microspheres for liver cancer (also known as hepatocellular carcinoma) -- shows promise in prolonging life for many patients with this devastating condition, according to researchers at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 35th Annual Scientific Meeting in Tampa, Fla. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Deregulation of miR-92a expression is implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma development

Pathology International — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have demonstrated that miR-92a is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, the proliferation of HCC-derived cell lines was enhanced by miR-92a and inhibited by the anti-miR-92a antagomir. On the other hand, we have found that the relative amount of miR-92a in the plasmas from HCC patients is decreased compared with that from the healthy donors. Interestingly, the amount of miR-92a was elevated after surgical treatment. Thus, although the physiological significance of the decrease of miR-92a in plasma is still unknown, deregulation of miR-92 expression in cells and plasma should be implicated in the development of HCC. (Source: Pathology International)

Evaluation of local recurrence after treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using Sonazoid: Comparison with dynamic computed tomography

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study suggests that CEUS using Sonazoid is less affected by the observer's experience and is more accurate in the diagnosis of local recurrence after treatment for HCC than dynamic CT. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010 (Source: Journal of Clinical Ultrasound)

Oncogenic Potential of Retinoic Acid Receptor-{gamma} in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cancer Research — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:07:28 +0100

A nongenomic action of retinoic acid receptor gamma is described which supports the survival of liver cancer cells. (Source: Cancer Research)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Dynamic alteration of protein expression profiles during neoplastic transformation of rat hepatic oval-like cells

Cancer Science — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To explore the molecular basis of neoplastic transformation of hepatic oval cells, a proteomic strategy was utilized to examine the global protein expression alterations during neoplastic transformation of rat hepatic oval-like cells. N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-initiated WB-F344 cells were treated with H2O2 for neoplastic transformation. The transformed cells were identified by soft agar assay and MTT assay. The subsequent proteomic separation and identification were performed with 2-DE followed by MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Of the 148 differentially displayed protein spots analyzed, 121 spots representing 79 distinct proteins were finally identified. The expression levels of interested proteins were validated by western blotting including 40 S ribosomal protein A (RPSA) an...

Viral hepatocarcinogenesis

Oncogene — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: W-L Tsai & R T Chung (Source: Oncogene)

Stathmin1 overexpression associated with polyploidy, tumor-cell invasion, early recurrence, and poor prognosis in human hepatoma

Molecular Carcinogenesis — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, STMN1 overexpression could predict early tumor recurrence and poor prognosis, particularly at early stage of hepatoma. Overexpression of STMN1 promoted polyploidy formation, tumor-cell invasion, and intrahepatic metastasis, suggesting that STMN1 can be a target for anti-cancer therapy of human hepatoma. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Molecular Carcinogenesis)

Constitutive activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:24:03 +0100

Authors: Li W, Tan D, Zenali MJ, Brown RE Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is an aggressive neoplasm due to high frequency of recurrence after surgical resection and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Activation of transcription factor NF-kB signaling pathway has been recognized for involvement in progression of various malignant neoplasms. The role of NF-kB pathway in FLHCC has not been studied to date. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 8 FLHCC, 10 normal liver tissues (NLT) were evaluated immunohistochemically for the expression of p-NF-kBp65 using phosphospecific antibody directed against phosphorylated (p)-NF-kBp65 (Ser 536). The level of p-NF-kBp65 (Ser 536) expression was categorized into four grades: 0 (background), 1+ (weak), 2+ (...

4-Dimensional Intravital Microscopy: A New Model for Studies of Leukocyte Recruitment and Migration in Hepatocellular Cancer in Mice

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:29:15 +0100

Discussion These results demonstrated that 4D intravital microscopy has potential to be a powerful tool in the study of mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment and intratumoral migration in HCC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11605-010-1179-xAuthors Takayuki Takeichi, University of Heidelberg Department of Surgery Im Neuenheimer Feld 110 69120 Heidelberg GermanyGuido Engelmann, University of Heidelberg Department of Pediatrics Im Neuenheimer Feld 110 69120 Heidelberg GermanyPaulius Mocevicius, University of Heidelberg Department of Surgery Im Neuenheimer Feld 110 69120 Heidelberg GermanyJan Schmidt, University of Heidelberg Department of Surgery Im Neuenheimer Feld 110 69120 Heidelberg GermanyEduard Ryschich, University of Heidelberg De...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Colonic carcinoid tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 23 patients from a single institution

Arquivos de Gastroenterologia — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:23:58 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Carcinoid tumors of the colon are frequently right-sided and may be clinically occult until an advanced stage is reached. Based on the relatively poor survival rates reported, it is recommended that, in addition to standard surgical resection, vigorous surveillance for metastatic disease must be performed, particularly during the first 2 years after surgery. In addition, these patients require evaluation of the entire gastrointestinal tract for evidence of coexisting malignancy, along with an extended period of follow-up, because tumor recurrences after 5 years are not uncommon.CONTEXTO: Carcinóides cólicos, excluindo aqueles que se originam no apêndice cecal, são extremamente raros. Devido a esta raridade, as características e comportamento desta neoplasia permanecem ind...

Adverse effects of drugs in the treatment of viral hepatitis

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:21:59 +0100

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) affect approximately 400–500 million individuals worldwide. Both infections are characterised by a significant morbidity and mortality: chronic hepatitis B and C may evolve towards the development of cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. During the last two decades, several new antivirals have been developed that are active against HBV and HCV, allowing sustained cure rates in a significant proportion of patients. All these drugs have side effects, which may represent a major barrier to achieve cure in many patients in need. I will review the most common adverse events reported during the therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C, with some recommendations for proper management. (Source: Best Practice & Research. Clinical ...

Reply to Liver-intestine cadherin predicts microvascular invasion and poor prognosis of hepatitis B virus-positive hepatocellular carcinoma

Cancer — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No abstract. (Source: Cancer)

Management of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications for therapy.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:04:55 +0100

CONCLUSION: Tumor size did not correlate with severity of the hemoperitoneum. There was an inverse relationship between G1-G3 (grade of cellular differentiation) HCC and dimensions. PMID: 20222165 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Chemical and Immunochemical Detection of 8-Halogenated Deoxyguanosines at Early Stage Inflammation [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:36:08 +0100

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) generates reactive halogenating species that can modify DNA. The aim of this study was to investigate the formation of 8-halogenated 2'-deoxyguanosines (8- halo-dGs) during inflammatory events. 8-Bromo-2'-dG (8-BrdG) and 8-chloro-2'-dG (8-CldG) were generated by treatment of MPO with hydrogen peroxide at physiological concentrations of Cl– and Br–. The formation of 8-halo-dGs with other oxidative stress biomarkers in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats was assessed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry using a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb8B3) to 8-BrdG-conjugated keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The antibody recognized both 8-BrdG and 8-CldG. In the liver of lipopolysaccharide-treated rats, immunostaining for 8-halo-dGs, haloge...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Reconstruction of a Nasopharyngeal Defect from Cervical Spine Osteoradionecrosis

Skull Base — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:22:12 +0100

Skull BaseDOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249244ABSTRACTOsteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine is a rare complication of radiation treatment of head and neck tumors that requires a multidisciplinary approach to management and reconstruction. The case of a 57-year-old man with osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine secondary to radiation for metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma is presented. Operative debridement of the necrotic bone was performed and the nasopharyngeal soft tissue defect was reconstructed with a radial forearm free flap. The management and reconstruction options for osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine are discussed.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Skull Base)

Dose Delivery Estimated by Bremsstrahlung Imaging and Partition Model Correlated with Response Following Intra-arterial Radioembolization with 32P-Glass Microspheres for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:49:21 +0100

Conclusion β-bremsstrahlung imaging following intra-arterial infusion of 32P-glass microspheres and chemoembolization incorporates effective treatment with convenient dosimetry monitoring and manageable adverse events using a single surgical procedure. This approach is a safe and effective method for ameliorating hepatocellular carcinoma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11605-010-1180-4Authors Xiao-Dong Wang, Peking University Oncology School Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of interventional therapy, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute Beijing 100142 ChinaRen-Jie Yang, Peking University Oncology School Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of ...

Liver transplantation for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in patients without liver cirrhosis

Transplant International — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

SummaryHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arising in noncirrhotic and nonfibrotic liver (NC-HCC) is a rare type of malignancy frequently found in healthy young individuals. Partial liver resection is the treatment of choice with expected 5-year survival rates between 40% and 70%. As a result of absence of any symptom, a considerable number of patients are diagnosed when the malignancy has progressed to an advanced stage and the tumor has turned already unresectable. Some other patients suffer from intrahepatic recurrence after previous liver resection that cannot be re-resected or locally ablated. In these situations, liver transplantation (LT) may be the only potentially curative treatment. The indication for LT in NC-HCC patients, however, is not well established. The preliminary results of ...

Metformin and reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in diabetic patients with chronic liver disease

Liver International — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Previous studies have reported the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore the relationships among DM2, antidiabetic therapy and HCC risk. We recruited 610 HCC patients compared with 618 matched cirrhotic patients and 1696 Controls. The odds ratio (OR) for HCC in diabetic subjects treated with insulin, sulphonylureas and metformin was calculated. DM2 prevalence was 31.2% in HCC, 23.3% in cirrhotic patients and 12.7% in Controls (P (Source: Liver International)

Mitochondrial mutations in hepatocellular carcinomas and fibrolamellar carcinomas

Modern Pathology AOP — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Perumal Vivekanandan, Hubert Daniel, Matthew M Yeh & Michael Torbenson (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

A case of diaphragmatic clear cell carcinoma in a patient with a medical history of ovarian endometriosis

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:49:58 +0100

We present a case of clear cell carcinoma located in the diaphragm in a patient with a medical history of ovarian endometriosis. Ultrasonography revealed the presence of a 2.5-cm nodule on the surface of the liver in a 65-year-old woman. She had undergone right salpingo-oophorectomy for treatment of an endometrial cyst of the right ovary at the age of 43 years and hysterectomy for treatment of a myoma of the uterus at the age of 51 years. We performed laparotomy and found that the tumor had originated from the diaphragm and invaded the liver. The diaphragm and liver were partially resected. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of clear cells and hobnail cells. The clear cells contained pale or eosinophilic cytoplasm and were arranged in a solid pattern. The h...

A case report of metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the right adrenal gland successfully treated with chemotherapy and surgery

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:42:04 +0100

Abstract Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma has a poor prognosis, especially when associated with distant metastasis. A 60-year-old man was admitted to a private hospital because of dyspnea at work in 2007. Computed tomography revealed lung infarction and a right adrenal tumor sized 12 cm in diameter that was tightly compressed against the inferior vena cava (IVC). Moreover, multiple lymph node metastases around the celiac axis and a solitary liver metastasis at the lateral segment were observed. Thus, we planned chemotherapy without surgery. We selected a combination therapy of irinotecan (CPT-11) and cisplatin (CDDP) (i.e., IP therapy): administration of CDDP [60 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA)] on day 1 plus CPT-11 (80 mg/m2) BSA on days 1 and 8....

Increased prevalence of regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment and its correlation with TNM stage of hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:40:39 +0100

Conclusion The increase in frequency of Treg cells might play a role in modulation of the immune response against HCC in different TNM stages. The substance secreted in tumor microenvironment recruited CD4+CD25+ Treg cells to tumor sites to contribute to the prosperity and growth of the tumors. The performance of Treg cells in different TNM stages of tumor microenvironment might be acted as the route to evaluate the immunotherapy-based methods, promote therapy effect, and consequently to increase the survival rate in HCC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00432-010-0833-8Authors Xiaohong Shen, Medical School of Nankai University Tianjin 300071 People’s Republic of ChinaNa Li, Medical School of Nankai University Tianjin 300071 People�...

Induction of tumor-specific acquired immunity against already established tumors by selective stimulation of innate DEC-205+ dendritic cells

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:38:34 +0100

Abstract Two major distinct subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) are arranged to regulate our immune responses in vivo; 33D1+ and DEC-205+ DCs. Using anti-33D1-specific monoclonal antibody, 33D1+ DCs were successfully depleted from C57BL/6 mice. When 33D1+ DC-depleted mice were stimulated with LPS, serum IL-12, but not IL-10 secretion that may be mediated by the remaining DEC-205+ DCs was markedly enhanced, which may induce Th1 dominancy upon TLR signaling. The 33D1+ DC-depleted mice, implanted with syngeneic Hepa1-6 hepatoma or B16-F10 melanoma cells into the dermis, showed apparent inhibition of already established tumor growth in vivo when they were subcutaneously (sc) injected once or twice with LPS after tumor implantation. Moreover, the development of lung metastasis of B16-...

Mesenchymal stem cells as therapeutic tools and gene carriers in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Gene Therapy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: J B Aquino, M F Bolontrade, M G García, O L Podhajcer & G Mazzolini (Source: Gene Therapy)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Inhibitory effect of ethanol on AMPK phosphorylation is mediated in part through elevated ceramide levels.

American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The effect of ethanol on AMPK appears to be mediated in part through increased cellular levels of ceramide and activation of PP2A. PMID: 20224005 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology)

A CTCF-independent role for cohesin in tissue-specific transcription [RESEARCH]

Genome Research — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:55:40 +0100

The cohesin protein complex holds sister chromatids in dividing cells together, and is essential for chromosome segregation. Recently, cohesin has been implicated in mediating transcriptional insulation, via its interactions with CTCF. Here, we show in different cell types that cohesin functionally behaves as a tissue-specific transcriptional regulator, independent of CTCF binding. By performing matched genome-wide binding assays (ChIP-seq) in human breast cancer cells (MCF7), we discovered thousands of genomic sites that share cohesin and estrogen receptor alpha (ER), yet lack CTCF binding. Using human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2), we found that liver-specific transcription factors co-localize with cohesin independently of CTCF at liver-specific targets that are distinct from th...

Renal tubular acidosis secondary to capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and cetuximab treatment in a patient with metastatic colon carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:13:28 +0100

We report a case of renal tubular acidosis (RTA) secondary to capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and cetuximab administration in a 63-year-old woman with liver metastasis from colon carcinoma who had partial treatment response. On day 5 posttreatment, she arrived to the emergency room with severe weakness, and blood tests demonstrated hypokalemia with metabolic acidosis. Urine potassium levels were elevated, and the transtubular potassium gradient (TTKG) was 6.6, consistent with hypokalemic RTA with associated Fanconi syndrome, which presented as hyperphosphaturia, uricaciduria, and loss of protein and sugar in the urine. She was treated with intravenously administered potassium and fluids. RTA is one type of nephrotoxicity induced by chemotherapy, and it is reversible in mild cases when app...

Long-term interferon-α treatment suppresses tumor growth but promotes metastasis capacity in hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:10:22 +0100

Conclusions IFN-α has janus face of consistently suppressing HCC growth, however, promoting tumor metastasis capacity, which is of clinical indication for the scientific administration of IFN-α and the similar antiangiogenesis drugs for their dual effect on tumor growth and metastasis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00432-010-0848-1Authors Peng-Yuan Zhuang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai People’s Republic of ChinaJu-Bo Zhang, Fudan University Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital 200032 Shanghai People’s Republic of ChinaWei Zhang, Fudan University Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital 200032 Shanghai People’s Republic of ChinaXiao-Dong...

The efficacy of combination therapy using adeno-associated virus-TRAIL targeting to telomerase activity and cisplatin in a mice model of hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:10:22 +0100

Conclusions AAV-mediated therapeutic gene expression in combination with chemotherapy provides a promising therapeutic strategy for human cancers. These data suggest that combined use of AAV-hTERT-TRAIL and cisplatin may have potential clinical application. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00432-010-0841-8Authors Yigang Wang, East China University of Science and Technology State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering Shanghai 200237 ChinaFang Huang, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Institute of Xinyuan Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Life Science Hangzhou 310018 ChinaHaibo Cai, East China University of Science and Technology State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering Shanghai 200237 ChinaYumei Wu, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University I...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Beta2-GPI: a novel factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:10:10 +0100

Conclusions Beta2-GPI may play a role in the development of HBV-related HCC by activating NF-κB via interaction of beta2-GPI and HBsAg. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00432-010-0825-8Authors Xue Jing, The First Hospital of Jilin University Department of Hepatology Changchun 130021 Jilin Province People’s Republic of ChinaYun-Feng Piao, The First Hospital of Jilin University Department of Hepatology Changchun 130021 Jilin Province People’s Republic of ChinaYe Liu, Academy of Military Medical Sciences Laboratory of Epidemiology, Veterinary Institute Changchun People’s Republic of ChinaPu-Jun Gao, The First Hospital of Jilin University Department of Hepatology Changchun 130021 Jilin Province People’s Republic of China Journa...

Hydroxyurea as an inhibitor of hepatitis C virus RNA replication

Archives of Virology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:03:44 +0100

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main causative agent of chronic liver disease, which may develop into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. By using a recently developed reporter assay system in which genome-length HCV RNA replicates efficiently, we found that hydroxyurea (HU), a DNA synthesis inhibitor, inhibited HCV RNA replication. Moreover, we demonstrated that the anti-HCV activity of the combination of IFN-alpha and HU was higher than that of IFN-alpha alone. These results suggest that HU may be an effective anti-HCV reagent that can be used not only singly but also in combination with IFN-alpha to treat chronic hepatitis C. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportDOI 10.1007/s00705-010-0624-1Authors Akito Nozaki, Yokohama City Universi...

Response to Therapy as a Criterion for Awarding Priority to Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Awaiting Liver Transplantation

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:01:03 +0100

Conclusions Response to therapy is a potentially effective tool for prioritizing HCC patients for LT. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Hepatobiliary TumorsDOI 10.1245/s10434-010-0993-4Authors Alessandro Vitale, IRCCS Unità di Chirurgia Oncologica, Istituto Oncologico Veneto Padova ItalyFrancesco D’Amico, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università di Padova Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale e Trapianti d’Organo, Unità di Chirurgia Epatobiliare e Trapianto Epatico Padova ItalyAnna Chiara Frigo, Università di Padova Dipartimento di Medicina Ambientale e Sanità Pubblica, Unità di Biostatistica ed Epidemiologia Padova ItalyFrancesco Grigoletto, Università di Padova Dipartimento di Medicina Ambientale e Sanità Pubblica, Unità di Biostatistica ed Epidemiologia Padova Ita...

Improved Results of a Surgical Resection for the Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:00:52 +0100

Conclusions Surgical therapy might be useful for patients who experience a recurrence of HCC after LDLT to improve their outcome, when such treatment is available. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Hepatobiliary TumorsDOI 10.1245/s10434-010-0999-yAuthors Akinobu Taketomi, Kyushu University Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku Fukuoka JapanTakasuke Fukuhara, Kyushu University Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku Fukuoka JapanKazutoyo Morita, Kyushu University Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku Fukuoka JapanHiroto Kayashima, Kyushu University Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine 3-1-1 ...

Expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator Inhibitor Type 1 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Postoperative Outcomes

World Journal of Surgery — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:57:22 +0100

Conclusions Expression of HAI-1 in HCC cells is associated with poor prognosis for HCC patients. HAI-1 may be important in HCC progression and may be a new prognostic factor for HCC. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00268-010-0517-1Authors Mayumi Funagayama, Miyazaki University School of Medicine Department of Surgical Oncology and Regulation of Organ Function 5200 Kihara Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692 JapanKazuhiro Kondo, Miyazaki University School of Medicine Department of Surgical Oncology and Regulation of Organ Function 5200 Kihara Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692 JapanKazuo Chijiiwa, Miyazaki University School of Medicine Department of Surgical Oncology and Regulation of Organ Function 5200 Kihara Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692 JapanHiroaki Kataoka, University of ...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Phase I clinical trial of hepatic arterial infusion of cisplatin in combination with intravenous liposomal doxorubicin in patients with advanced cancer and dominant liver involvement

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:55:58 +0100

Conclusion The MTD was HAI cisplatin 100 mg/m2 and systemic doxil 35 mg/m2. This regimen demonstrated antitumor activity, especially in breast cancer. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-010-1266-4Authors Apostolia M. Tsimberidou, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Phase I Program, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Unit 455 1515 Holcombe Boulevard Houston TX 77030 USAStacy Moulder, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Phase I Program, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Unit 455 1515 Holcombe Boulevard Houston TX 77030 USASiqing Fu, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Phase I Program, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Unit 4...

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography revealed active thoracic bleeding

Journal of Medical Ultrasonics — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:46:09 +0100

Abstract A 61-year-old woman with a hepatocellular carcinoma located in the subphrenic region was treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under artificial pleural effusion. During RFA, B-mode ultrasonography showed a swirling high echoic lesion in the artificial pleural effusion. A real-time scan performed using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) revealed a jet-like extravasation of contrast medium and pooling of microbubbles in the pleural cavity, which were confirmed by angiography. CEUS successfully identified the site of bleeding and can be regarded an effective tool for detecting active bleeding in an emergency. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Ultrasound Image of the MonthDOI 10.1007/s10396-010-0257-8Authors Takaaki Sugihara, Tottori University School...

Antitumor activity of Type I and Type III interferons in BNL hepatoma model

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:38:27 +0100

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs most commonly secondary to cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C or B virus (HCV/HBV) infections. Type I interferon (IFN-α) treatment of chronic HCV/HBV infections reduces the incidence of HCC in cirrhotic patients. However, IFN-α toxicity limits its tolerability and efficacy highlighting a need for better therapeutic treatments. A recently discovered type III IFN (IFN-λ) has been shown to possess antiviral properties against HCV and HBV in vitro. In phase I clinical trials, IFN-λ treatment did not cause significant adverse reactions. Using a gene therapy approach, we compared the antitumor properties of IFN-α and IFN-λ in a transplantable hepatoma model of HCC. BALB/c mice were inoculated with syngeneic BNL hepatoma cell...

Expression of HAb18G is associated with tumor progression and prognosis of breast carcinoma

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:17:30 +0100

In conclusion, this study suggests that HAb18G expression is associated with BC progression and prognosis. Further evaluation of this new marker in breast cancer is indicated. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Preclinical studyDOI 10.1007/s10549-010-0790-6Authors Fangfang Liu, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Research Tianjin 300060 ChinaLifang Cui, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Research Tianjin 300060 ChinaYang Zhang, Fourth Military Medical University Cell Engineering Research Centre & Department of Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biolo...

8-Quinolineboronic acid as a potential phosphorescent molecular switch for the determination of alpha-fetoprotein variant for the prediction of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

Analytica Chimica Acta — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:04:21 +0100

Authors: Liu JM, Li FM, Liu ZB, Lin CQ, Lin SQ, Lin LP, Wang XX, Li ZM 8-Quinolineboronic acid phosphorescent molecular switch (8-QBA-PMS) in the "off" state emitted weak room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of 8-QBA on the acetylcellulose membrane (ACM) with the perturbation of Pb(2+). When 8-QBA-PMS was used to label concanavalin agglutinin (Con A) to form 8-QBA-PMS-Con A based on the reaction between -OH of 8-QBA-PMS and -COOH of Con A, 8-QBA-PMS turned "on" automatically due to its structure change, and RTP of the system increased 2.7 times. Besides, -NH(2) of 8-QBA-PMS-Con A could carry out affinity adsorption (AA) reaction with the -COOH of alpha-fetoprotein variant (AFP-V) to form the product Con A-AFP-V-Con A-8-QBA-PMS containing -NH-CO- bond, causing the RTP of the system to...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

A novel role for ABCA1-generated large pre-{beta} migrating nascent HDL in the regulation of hepatic VLDL triglyceride secretion [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:16:08 +0100

In Tangier disease, absence of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) results in reduced plasma HDL and elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. We hypothesized that hepatocyte ABCA1 regulates VLDL TG secretion through nascent HDL production. Silencing of ABCA1 expression in oleate-stimulated rat hepatoma cells resulted in: 1) decreased large nascent HDL (>10 nm diameter) and increased small nascent HDL (<10 nm) formation, 2) increased large buoyant VLDL1 particle secretion, and 3) decreased phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI3) kinase activation. Nascent HDL-containing conditioned medium from rat hepatoma cells or HEK293 cells transfected with ABCA1 was effective in increasing PI3 kinase activation and reducing VLDL TG secretion in ABCA1-silenced hepatoma cells. Addition of isolated large nas...

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison of two different periods at the same center.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:36:11 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study shows that over the last decade a number of characteristics of patients with HCC in our region have changed, particularly age at onset of HCC, staging of underlying liver disease and staging of HCC. PMID: 20206885 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

The AP-1 repressor protein, JDP2, potentiates hepatocellular carcinoma in mice

Molecular Cancer — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study suggests that JDP2 expression may play a critical role in liver cancer development by potentiating the compensatory proliferative response and increased inflammation in the DEN liver cancer model. (Source: Molecular Cancer)

Growth hormone modulation of EGF signaling

Society for Endocrinology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The relevance of growth factors to the pathogenesis of human cancer has long been established. Among the growth factors and growth factor receptors that have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of different carcinoma types is the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of peptide growth factors and the EGF receptor. Growth hormone (GH) has been previously described to regulate hepatic EGFR expression. Gonzales et al. analyzed EGF signaling pathways in two different in vivo models: one resistant to the actions of and the other with increased circulating GH levels (transgenic mice overexpressing bovine GH). Their study provides evidence not only for the crosstalk between GH and EGF signaling in the liver but also for different mechanisms controlling EGF-induced signa...

Working outdoors reduces cancer risk

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:11:40 +0100

Research shows vitamin D, produced by skin when exposed to ultraviolet light, associated with reduced rate of renal cancerMen who work outdoors, enabling their bodies to create vitamins through exposure to sunlight, have a reduced risk of kidney cancer, researchers said today.In the largest study of its kind, scientists found that vitamin D – produced by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light – was associated with a reduced rate of renal cancer of up to 73% among men.However, the study, published by the American Cancer Society, found that the reduced risk only applied to men – there was no drop in renal cancer among the women studied who worked outdoors.The researchers, from the National Cancer Institute in the US, said the study of 2,500 workers in central Europe supported emerg...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Strategy of treatment for hepatocellular Carcinomas with vascular infiltration in patients undergoing hepatectomy

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Vascular infiltration (VI) is an important prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and predictive parameters are necessary to preoperatively decide treatment strategies in patients with HCC.Relationships between presence and degree of VI in the portal and hepatic veins and bile duct, and post-hepatectomy survival were examined in 271 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy.VI was observed in 81 patients (30%). Disease-free and overall survival rates was significantly lower in patients with VI than in patients without VI, and became poorer according to the degree of infiltration (P < 0.01). Multiple, increased size, non-meeting of Milan criteria, irregular macroscopic findings and increased PIVKA-II levels were associated with degree of VI in portal vein (P < 0.01). Increased si...

Comparison of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and chemoembolization with doxorubicin drug eluting beads (DEB) for unresectable hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC)

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Chemoembolization with doxorubicin drug eluting beads (DEB) is a novel locoregional treatment modality for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Initial animal studies and clinical trials suggest that treatment with DEB may provide safer and more effective short-term outcomes than conventional chemoembolization. Current study explores long-term survival benefits.Consecutive patients who received transcatheter therapy with DEB or conventional chemoembolization as sole therapy between 1998 and 2008 were studied. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimator with log-rank testing, chi-squared, and independent t-tests.Seventy-one patients were included in this study, 45 (63.4%) received therapy with DEB (group A) and 26 (36.6%) underwent conventional chemoembolization ...

Transarterial chemoembolization in Child–Pugh class B patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: between the devil and the deep blue sea

Liver International — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Liver International)

Delta-like 1 contributes to cell growth by increasing the interferon-inducible protein 16 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver International — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Delta-like 1 (DLK1), a fetal liver stem cell marker, is strongly expressed in human and rodent fetal liver, but not in adult liver. Notably, dysregulation of DLK1 was found in some human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). However, the effect of DLK1 on HCC cell growth and its underlying mechanism are still largely unknown. To (i) assess the expression of DLK1 in human HCC and adjacent liver tissues and human HCC cell lines; (ii) evaluate the effect of DLK1 on SMMC-7721, Huh7 HCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo; and (iii) explore the potential mechanism of DLK1 that regulates HCC cell growth. The expression of DLK1 mRNA and protein were detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry respectively. The effect of DLK1 on the proliferation of SMMC-7721 an...

In this issue: Biotechnology Journal 3/2010.

Biotechnology Journal — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: METABOLIC ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS: Nielsen et al., Biotechnol. J. 2009, 5, 274-284With a carbon chain length of four and two reactive sites, 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) is a versatile building block molecule for the synthesis of both fine and commodity chemicals for use as drugs, cosmetics or liquid fuels. Diacetyl and acetoin have important applications in the food, beverage and fragrance industries. Kristala Jones-Prather and colleagues from the MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA) designed new strains of Escherichia coli that are able to produce acetoin together with small amounts of 2,3-BD. They first designed the metabolic pathways and screened for enzymes of yeast and bacterial origin to perform it. Those have been introduced in E. coli, while bypaths that reduce the yi...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Promotion of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through matrix metalloproteinase activation by epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulator twist1.

J Cell Mol Med — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhao XL, Sun T, Che N, Sun D, Zhao N, Dong XY, Gu Q, Yao Z, Sun BC E-cadherin loss is a key biological mechanism in tumor invasion. As a main regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) mechanism-mediated invasion and metastasis, Twist1 plays an important role through its regulation of E-cadherin expression. However, whether or not Twist2 has the same function in tumor metastasis remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expressions and different roles of Twist1 and Twist2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expressions of Twist1 and Twist2 in HCC tissue were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. The role of Twist1 and Twist2 in invasiveness was also evaluated in vitro by using HCC cell lines. Twist1 nuclear over-expression is foun...

Expression of microRNA-155 precursor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from hepatitis Cpatients after antiviral treatment.

Acta Virologica — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:29:31 +0100

Authors: Sidorkiewicz M, Grek M, Jozwiak B, Majda-Stanislawska E, Piekarska A, Bartkowiak J Chronic hepatitis caused by Hepatitis Cvirus (HCV) is the main source of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and extra-hepatic diseases. After treatment-induced resolution of hepatitis C, the persistence of HCV RNA in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is often observed. An expression of the precursor of microRNA-155 (miR-155) called BIC can be the factor responsible for acourse of HCV infection. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between BIC expression and HCV RNA status in sera and PBMCs samples of 64 hepatitis Cpatients treated with interferon alpha(IFN-alpha)+ribavirin. High expression of BIC in PBMCs was determined in 100% of patients that harbored HCV RNA in s...

Prognostic factors in the surgical treatment of caudate lobe hepatocellular carcinoma.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy was an effective treatment for HCC in the caudate lobe. The subsegmental location of the tumor, liver cirrhosis and surgical margin affected long-term survival. PMID: 20205285 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Blocking effects of siRNA on VEGF expression in human colorectal cancer cells.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: VEGF, FLT-1 and FLK-1 are associated with colorectal carcinogenesis. siRNA silencing of the VEGF gene suppresses proliferation, and induces apoptosis in HCT116 cells. The results suggest that VEGF may be a new gene therapy target for colorectal cancer. PMID: 20205278 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Evaluation of immunological escape mechanisms in a mouse model of colorectal liver metastases

BMC Cancer — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study describes cellular and macromolecular changes contributing to immunological escape mechanisms during metastatic growth in a colorectal liver metastases mouse model simulating the situation in human cancer. (Source: BMC Cancer)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

U.S. Doctors Sanction Transplant Criteria For Liver Cancer Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Liver transplantation specialists recently convened to address U.S. guidelines for allocation of organs for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, liver cancer). Representatives from more than 130 U.S. transplant centers were invited to the conference and participants included 180 leaders in liver transplantation (LT) from the 50 most active centers. Full details of the recommendations developed at the conference are published in the March issue of Liver Transplantation, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

U.S. Doctors Sanction Transplant Criteria For Liver Cancer Patients

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients are as effective as in younger patients: a 20-year multicentre experience

Gut — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:12:52 +0100

Conclusions The overall applicability of radical or effective HCC treatments was unaffected by old age. However, treatment distribution differed, elderly individuals being more frequently treated with percutaneous procedures and less frequently with resection or TACE. Survival was unaffected by age and primarily predicted by cancer stage, assessed by the CLIP system, both in the overall population and in treatment subgroups. (Source: Gut)

Transplant criteria for liver cancer patients: News standards aim for equitable allocation of available organs

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

US doctors sanction transplant criteria for liver cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Wiley-Blackwell) Liver transplantation specialists recently convened to address US guidelines for allocation of organs for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Representatives from more than 130 US transplant centers were invited to the conference and participants included 180 leaders in liver transplantation from the 50 most active centers. Full details of the recommendations developed at the conference are published in the March issue of Liver Transplantation, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Liver-intestine cadherin predicts microvascular invasion and poor prognosis of hepatitis B virus-positive hepatocellular carcinoma

Cancer — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No abstract. (Source: Cancer)

Synthesis of 9,9-Dialkyl-4,5-diazafluorene Derivatives and Their Structure-Activity Relationships Toward Human Carcinoma Cell Lines.

ChemMedChem — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang Q, Yuen MC, Lu GL, Ho CL, Zhou GJ, Keung OM, Lam KH, Gambari R, Tao XM, Wong RS, Tong SW, Chan KW, Lau FY, Cheung F, Cheng GY, Chui CH, Wong WY A homologous set of 9,9-dialkyl-4,5-diazafluorene compounds were prepared by alkylation of 4,5-diazafluorene with the appropriate alkyl bromide and under basic conditions. The structures of these simple organic compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, NMR, and FABMS). Their biological effects toward a panel of human carcinoma cells, including Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma, MDAMB-231 breast carcinoma, and SKHep-1 hepatoma cells, were investigated; a structure-activity correlation was established with respect to the length of the alkyl chain and the fluorene ring structure. The relationship between the mean poten...

Tumor-derived trypsin enhances proliferation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells by activating protease-activated receptor-2.

International Journal of Oncology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:59:41 +0100

Authors: Nakanuma S, Tajima H, Okamoto K, Hayashi H, Nakagawara H, Onishi I, Takamura H, Kitagawa H, Fushida S, Tani T, Fujimura T, Kayahara M, Ohta T, Wakayama T, Iseki S, Harada S In primary malignant liver tumors, trypsinogen-immunoreactivity was present in 70% of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) specimens, but absent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens. We suggest the secretion of trypsinogen to be a key difference in biological behavior between ICC and HCC cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the secretion of tumor-derived trypsin and the expression of its specific receptor, protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), in ICC using cell lines and surgical specimens. The expression of trypsinogen-1 mRNA was observed in three of four ICC cell lines, but none of...

Regulatory T cell depletion enhances tumor specific CD8 T-cell responses, elicited by tumor antigen NY-ESO-1b in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, in vitro.

International Journal of Oncology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:59:24 +0100

In conclusion, the increase in frequency of Treg cells might play a role in suppression of the immune response against HCC and for the design of immunotherapy the incorporation of the Treg cell depletion strategy will achieve potent anti-tumor immunity with therapeutic impact. PMID: 20198327 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Oncology)

The cell cycle effects of docosahexaenoic acid on human metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation.

International Journal of Oncology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:58:23 +0100

This study provides novel mechanistic insights into the modulation of DHA on human hepatocarcinoma. PMID: 20198345 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Oncology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Synergistic antineoplastic effect of DLC1 tumor suppressor protein and histone deacetylase inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), on prostate and liver cancer cells: Perspectives for therapeutics.

International Journal of Oncology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:58:20 +0100

Authors: Zhou X, Yang XY, Popescu NC Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes is a major contributing alteration in the initiation or progression of cancer. The human tumor suppressor gene DLC1 (deleted in liver cancer 1) is frequently downregulated or silenced in multiple cancers, predominantly by epigenetic mechanisms. With the current considerable interest and progress in epigenetic therapy, a number of promising antineoplastic agents, particularly histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, have been developed and used successfully in clinical trials. Both DLC1 and HDAC inhibitors exert antineoplastic functions, and their combined action could be exploited for a more effective cancer therapy. To evaluate the potential benefits of this approach, we examined the antineoplastic effects of ad...

RecQL1 DNA repair helicase: A potential tumor marker and therapeutic target against hepatocellular carcinoma.

International Journal of Molecular Medicine — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:22:45 +0100

Authors: Futami K, Ogasawara S, Goto H, Yano H, Furuichi Y RecQL1 in the human RecQ DNA helicase family participates in DNA repair and recombination pathways in cell cycle replication. Immunohistochemical analysis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues showed that RecQL1 expression is strongly correlated with histological grade and MIB-1 indices of HCC, and that the expression was greater in simple HCCs inducing extranodular growth or portal vein invasion than in HCCs not inducing extranodular growth or portal vein invasion. These histological data reveal the potential of RecQL1 as a biological marker predicting the malignancy and progression of liver cancer. High expression profiles were also produced by various HCC cells, including HCC cell lines established by us. When RecQ...

Chemokine CCL3 facilitates the migration of hepatoma cells by changing the concentration intracellular Ca2+

Hepatology Research — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Chemokine CCL3 facilitates the migration of hepatoma by changing the concentration intracellular Ca2+. The CCL3[ndash]CCR1 axis may play an important role in HCC invasion and metastasis. It may also be a potential target for HCC therapy or for prevention of the recurrence and metastasis of HCC. (Source: Hepatology Research)

Insulin resistance raises the risk for recurrence of stage I hepatocellular carcinoma after curative radiofrequency ablation in hepatitis C virus-positive patients: A prospective, case series study

Hepatology Research — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Aim: Several studies have reported that insulin resistance raises the risk of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted a prospective, case series study to test the impact of insulin resistance on the recurrence after curative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of stage I HCC in HCV-positive patients.Methods: From January 2006 to December 2007, 226 consecutive patients underwent treatment for primary HCC at our institutions, including 37 stage I cases. Among them, 33 were HCV-positive, and three, six and 24 received curative surgery, transarterial chemoembolization or RFA, respectively. In the 24 patients treated with RFA, recurrence-free survival was analyzed using the Kaplan[ndash]Meier method. The factors contributing to recurrence of HCC were subjected to univariate and multivari...

CYCLIC AMP STIMULATES MRP2 TRANSLOCATION BY ACTIVATING p38{alpha} MAPK IN HEPATIC CELLS.

American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study we tested the hypothesis that cAMP-induced Mrp2 translocation may be mediated via p38 MAPK. Studies were conducted in rat hepatocytes and in a human hepatoma cell line, HuH-7. In rat hepatocytes, cAMP increased Mrp2 translocation and p38 MAPK activity. These effects of cAMP were inhibited by SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK. Wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of PI3K, did not inhibit cAMP induced activation of p38 MAPK, indicating PI3K-independent activation of p38 MAPK by cAMP. To further define the role of p38 MAPK, molecular approaches were used to up- or down-regulate p38 MAPK activity in HuH-7 cells using constitutively active (CA) and dominant negative (DN) MAPK kinase 3 and 6 (MKK3/6). MKK3/6 are upstream kinases responsible for the activation of p38 MAPK. Cells transf...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

A primary sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma of the pubic bone, with evidence of divergent epithelial differentiation.

Ultrastructural Pathology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:16:25 +0100

Authors: Wang G, Eyden B Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare variant of fibrosarcoma, described initially by Meis-Kindblom et al. in 1995 (Meis-Kindblom JM, Kindblom L-G, Enzinger FM. Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: a variant of fibrosarcoma simulating carcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol. 1995;19:979-993): more than 80 cases have been documented clinicopathologically since. Bone is a rare primary site for SEF, with only 2 cases so far reported. This paper documents the detailed clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of a case occurring in the pubic bone of a 57-year-old diabetic woman presenting with a history of pain and compromised mobility involving her hip. Radiology revealed a destructive lesion in the right pubic bone. The lesion wa...

Helicobacter hepaticus Cytolethal Distending Toxin Causes Cell Death in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway

Helicobacter — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These findings show, for the first time, the ability of HhCDT to induce apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. (Source: Helicobacter)

Hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic collateral arterial supply

Australasian Radiology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Haepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy, representing the fifth most common cancer in the world. Without treatment, the median survival of HCC patients has been reported to be 8 weeks from symptomatic presentation. Transarterial chemoembolisation is widely used to manage unresectable HCCs. However, when a tumour is large or locates near the liver capsule, it may receive supplies from vessels other than hepatic arteries. In this paper, we discuss the anatomy of possible extrahepatic collateral arterial supplies of HCCs. (Source: Australasian Radiology)

Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tests for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Current Molecular Medicine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Estep JM, Birerdinc A, Younossi Z Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinico-pathologic spectrum of conditions ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Although simple or bland steatosis follows a relatively benign clinical course, NASH can potentially progress to cirrhosis (approximately 10 to 15 percent) and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD occurs in an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the US general population, while NASH is reported in 2 to 3 percent of the population. Even though common explanation for the increased prevalence of NAFLD is the increased rate of obesity, the risk of developing NAFLD and NASH is not limited to overweight and obese individuals. Currently, the only way to diagnose NASH or to assess the stage of fibrosis is ...

Expression of Lgr5 in human colorectal carcinogenesis and its potential correlation with β-catenin

International Journal of Colorectal Disease — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:51 +0100

Conclusions The results suggest that up-regulation of Lgr5 expression, especially in female patients, may play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis, probably through the WNT/β-catenin pathway, but not involve the progression of the CRC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00384-010-0903-zAuthors Xiang-Shan Fan, Nanjing University Medical School Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Nanjing Jiangsu People’s Republic of ChinaHong-Yan Wu, Nanjing University Medical School Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Nanjing Jiangsu People’s Republic of ChinaHui-Ping Yu, Nanjing University Medical School Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Nanjing Jiangsu...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Erratum for: Toosendanin Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Inducing Mitochondria-dependent Apoptosis

Planta Medica — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:28:30 +0100

Planta MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241001© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | FREE: Full text (Source: Planta Medica)

Association between C282Y and H63D mutations of the HFE gene with hepatocellular carcinoma in European populations: a meta-analysis

Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. C282Y mutation was associated with HCC in European alcoholic LC patients. (Source: Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research)

Effect of sodium thiosulfate on cisplatin removal after intra-arterial embolization with a lipiodol-platinum suspension for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Acta Radiologica — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: STS seems effective against the renal toxicity of cisplatin. However, in the presence of STS, the anticancer effect of cisplatin may be decreased due to the accelerated disappearance of platinum. PMID: 20192896 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Radiologica)

Oncogenic Potential of Retinoic Acid Receptor-{gamma} in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Cell Research — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yan TD, Wu H, Zhang HP, Lu N, Ye P, Yu FH, Zhou H, Li WG, Cao X, Lin YY, He JY, Gao WW, Zhao Y, Xie L, Chen JB, Zhang XK, Zeng JZ Retinoic acid receptors (RAR; alpha, beta, and gamma), members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, mediate the pleiotropic effects of the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) and derivatives (retinoids) in normal and cancer cells. Abnormal expression and function of RARs are often involved in the growth and development of cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we report that levels of RARgamma were significantly elevated in tumor tissues from a majority of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in HCC cell lines. Overexpression of RARgamma promoted colony formation by HCC cells in vitro and the growt...

Suppression of Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Simultaneously Blocking Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-A and VEGF-C with a Receptor-Immunoglobulin Fusion Protein.

Cell Research — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we developed an IgG-like fusion protein molecule [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 31-immunoglobulin (VEGFR31-Ig)] which could simultaneously bind the angiogenic growth factor VEGF-A and the lymphangiogenic growth factor VEGF-C. Importantly, VEGFR31-Ig exhibited VEGF-A-binding affinity similar to that of VEGFTrap, the most potent VEGF-A binder, and VEGF-C-binding affinity comparable with that of the soluble fusion protein VEGFR3-Ig (sVEGFR3). Pharmacokinetic analysis in mice showed that VEGFR31-Ig had improved pharmacokinetic properties compared with either VEGFTrap or sVEGFR3. In a highly metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCLM3) model in severe combined immunodeficient mice, VEGFR31-Ig potently blocked both tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesi...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Maintenance ribavirin monotherapy: The case for post-transplantation recurrent hepatitis C

Digestive and Liver Disease — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis C is a world pandemic with more than 175 million people affected world wide. As a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma it is a major health problem. (Source: Digestive and Liver Disease)

Cardiac glycosides potently inhibit C-reactive Protein Synthesis in Human Hepatocytes.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kolkhof P, Geerts A, Schäfer S, Torzewski J Elevated plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototype acute phase protein (APP), are predictive for future cardiovascular events. Controversial evidence suggests that CRP may play a causal role in cardiovascular disease. CRP synthesis inhibition is a potential approach for reducing cardiovascular mortality. We show here that endogenous and plant-derived inhibitors of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, i.e. the cardiac glycosides ouabain and digitoxin, inhibit IL-1beta- and IL-6-induced APP expression in human hepatoma cells and primary human hepatocytes (PHH) at nanomolar concentrations. Inhibition is demonstrated on transcriptional and on protein level. The molecular target of cardiac glycosides, i.e. the alpha1 subunit of the ...

Reliable Biomarkers Needed For Early Detection Of Liver Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

While biomarkers are needed to complement ultrasound in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; liver cancer), neither des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) nor the most widely used biomarker, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), is optimal, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute. "Most surprising was the finding that patient demographics influenced both des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin and alpha fetoprotein values, but in opposite directions," said Anna S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Reliable Biomarkers Needed For Early Detection Of Liver Cancer

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

While biomarkers are needed to complement ultrasound in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; liver cancer), neither des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) nor the most widely used biomarker, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), is optimal, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute... (Source: Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today)

Human mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing pigment epithelium-derived factor inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice

Oncogene — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Y Gao, A Yao, W Zhang, S Lu, Y Yu, L Deng, A Yin, Y Xia, B Sun & X Wang (Source: Oncogene)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Identification of hepatic stem/progenitor cells in canine hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma

Veterinary and Comparative Oncology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are bipotential stem cells residing in human and animal livers that are able to differentiate towards the hepatocytic or cholangiocytic lineages. HPCs are present in both hepatocellular (HCC) and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CC) in humans; and a small percentage of HCC can originate from cancer stem cells. However, its distribution in canine liver tumour has not been studied. Herein, we searched for stem/progenitor cells in 13 HCC and 7 CC archived samples by immunohistochemical analysis. We found that both liver tumours presented a higher amount of K19-positive HPCs. Besides, 61.6% of HCC cases presented immature CD44-positive hepatocytes. Nevertheless, only two cases presented CD133-positive cells. As observed in humans, hepatic canine tumours presented ac...

A case of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor-producing hepatocellular carcinoma confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

J Korean Med Sci — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Joshita S, Nakazawa K, Koike S, Kamijo A, Matsubayashi K, Miyabayashi H, Furuta K, Kitano K, Yoshizawa K, Tanaka E Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a naturally occurring glycoprotein that stimulates the proliferation and maturation of precursor cells in the bone marrow into fully differentiated neutrophils. Several reports of G-CSF-producing malignant tumors have been published, but scarcely any in the hepatobiliary system, such as in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we encountered a 69-yr-old man with a hepatic tumor who had received right hepatic resection. He showed leukocytosis of 25,450/microL along with elevated serum G-CSF. Histological examination of surgical samples demonstrated immunohistochemical staining for G-CSF, but not for G-CSF receptor. T...

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: from Genomics to Treatment

Journal of Hepatology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Hepatology)

Clinical characteristics of pulmonary embolism with underlying malignancy.

The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: PE was diagnosed within 1 year after the cancer diagnosis in almost 70% of patients. Lung cancer was the most common underlying malignancy. PMID: 20195405 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine)

Description of the efficacy and safety of three new biologics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Storage SS, Agrawal H, Furst DE English articles on abatacept, golimumab, and tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis published between 2002 and 2009 were reviewed systematically. All randomized clinical trials, open-label extensions, meta-analyses, and reviews were examined. There were thirteen articles on abatacept, four on golimumab, and seven on tocilizumab. All three drugs were effective in methotrexate-naïve, methotrexate-incomplete responders, and tumor-necrosis-factor-failure rheumatoid arthritis patients. Of the three, only abatacept has been tested in a head-to-head trial with infliximab, in which it was found to be equivalent to infliximab. Golimumab resulted in a more modest improvement than the others in methotrexate-naïve patients, although no direct compar...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Multiscale Model of Liver DCE-MRI Towards a Better Understanding of Tumor Complexity

IEE Transactions on Medical Imaging — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The use of quantitative imaging for the characterization of hepatic tumors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can improve the diagnosis and therefore the treatment of these life-threatening tumors. However, image parameters remain difficult to interpret because they result from a mixture of complex processes related to pathophysiology and to acquisition. These processes occur at variable spatial and temporal scales. We propose a multiscale model of liver dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI in order to better understand the tumor complexity in images. Our design couples a model of the organ (tissue and vasculature) with a model of the image acquisition. At the macroscopic scale, vascular trees take a prominent place. Regarding the formation of MRI images, we propose a distributed model of ...

Galectin-1 and its involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma aggressiveness.

Molecular Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, this study provides a portfolio of targets useful for future investigations into molecular marker-discovery studies on a large number of patients and functional assays. In addition, our data provide evidence that Gal-1 plays a role in hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion, and we suggest that further studies should be conducted to fully establish the role of Gal-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis and evaluate Gal-1 as a potential molecular therapeutic target. PMID: 20200618 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Molecular Medicine)

Prenatal and postnatal ciliated hepatic foregut cysts in infants

Journal of Pediatric Surgery — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In infants, CHFC are found antenatally or incidentally. A solitary uni or mutilocular cyst with wall calcifications, sediments, located in the central liver segments should raise the diagnosis. Resection of large cysts in the central segments of the liver is challenging and biliary diversion should be considered. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Surgery)

Genotoxic evaluation of an industrial effluent from an oil refinery using plant and animal bioassays

Genetics and Molecular Biology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:04:27 +0100

In this study, the genotoxic potential of an oil refinery effluent was analyzed by means of micronucleus (MN) testing of Alium cepa, which revealed no effect after 24 h of treatment. On the other hand, primary lesions in the DNA of rat (Rattus norvegicus) hepatoma cells (HTC) were observed through comet assaying after only 2 h of exposure. On considering the capacity to detect DNA damage of a different nature and of these cells to metabolize xenobiotics, we suggest the association of the two bioassays with these cell types, plant (Allium cepa) and mammal (HTC) cells, for more accurately assessing genotoxicity in environmental samples. (Source: Genetics and Molecular Biology)

P2X4 Activation Modulates Volume-sensitive Outwardly Rectifying Chloride Channels in Rat Hepatoma Cells [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:42:05 +0100

In this study, we have addressed the effect of purinergic receptor activation on H2O2-induced and hypotonicity-mediated VSOR Cl– current activation. Here we show that rat hepatoma cells (HTC) exposed to a 33% hypotonic solution responded by rapidly activating VSOR Cl– current and releasing ATP to the extracellular medium. In contrast, cells exposed to 200 µm H2O2 VSOR Cl– current onset was significantly slower, and ATP release was not detected. In cells exposed to either 11% hypotonicity or 200 µm H2O2, exogenous addition of ATP in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ resulted in a decrease in the half-time for VSOR Cl– current onset. Conversely, in cells that overexpress a dominant-negative mutant of the ionotropic receptor P2X4 challenged with a 33% hypo...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Stimulation of Inducible Nitric Oxide by Hepatitis B Virus Transactivator Protein HBx Requires MTA1 Coregulator [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:42:01 +0100

Nitric oxide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders, including hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Transactivator protein HBx, a major regulator of cellular responses of hepatitis B virus, is known to induce the expression of MTA1 (metastasis-associated protein 1) coregulator via NF-B signaling in hepatic cells. However, the underlying mechanism of HBx regulation of the inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway remains unknown. Here we provide evidence that MTA1 is a positive regulator of iNOS transcription and plays a mechanistic role in HBx stimulation of iNOS expression and activity. We found that the HBx-MTA1 complex is recruited onto the human iNOS promoter in an NF-B-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of the NF-B signaling ...

More Reliable Biomarkers Needed For Liver Cancer Detection

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Widely used biomarkers are not optimal in early detection of liver cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, according to a new study published in this month's Gastroenterology. Two biomarkers used to complement ultrasound in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer, are not ideal, according to Anna S. Lok, M.D., professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and lead author of the study published in the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

More Reliable Biomarkers Needed For Liver Cancer Detection

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Cavo-atrial thrombectomy combined with left hemi-hepatectomy for vascular invasion from hepatocellular carcinoma on diseased liver under hypothermic cardio-circulatory arrest [Case report - Cardiopulmonary bypass]

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:18:45 +0100

We reported a successful cavo-atrial thrombectomy, along with left hemi-hepatectomy, under hypothermic cardio-circulatory arrest (HCA). To our knowledge, this technique has been used only once for primary liver cancer on chronic liver disease, this being the second case reported in literature. We conclude that this technique should be considered for atrial thrombi removal in patients affected by liver tumours in the presence of a healthy liver or of a well compensated liver cirrhosis in order to prolong the patient's life span. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)

Surgical resection of solitary cardiophrenic lymph node metastasis by video-assisted thoracic surgery after complete resection of hepatocellular carcinoma [Case report - Thoracic oncologic]

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:18:44 +0100

This report presents the case of a patient that developed a postoperative metastatic tumor in the cardiophrenic lymph node as a rare pattern of distant lymph node metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after a complete resection. This is the case of surgically and pathologically proved cardiophrenic lymph node metastasis of HCC using video-assisted thoracic surgery. General thoracic surgeons should therefore be aware of the possibility of this rare form of extrahepatic recurrence when a growing nodule is found in the pericardial fat pad during the follow-up of a malignancy in the liver. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Selecting treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma based on the results of hepatic resection and local ablation therapy

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined post-treatment survival of 144 consecutive HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy and of 56 consecutive HCC patients who underwent thermal ablation therapy limited to the HCC ([le]3 cm, [le]3 lesions).Pretreatment liver function was significantly worse and prevalence of Child-Pugh classification B/C was significantly higher in the ablation group compared to the hepatectomy group. Prevalence of tumor recurrence after treatment did not differ significantly between groups, irrespective of solitary or multiple HCC. In solitary HCC, overall survival rates in both groups did not differ significantly. Even in Child-Pugh B patients, survival was not significantly different between hepatectomy and ablation. In HCC with 2-3 lesions [le]3 cm, overall survival was significantly longer with...

Development and clinical evaluation of a multi-purpose mAb and a sandwich ELISA test for hepatoma-derived growth factor in lung cancer patients.

Journal of Immunological Methods — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhang A, Long W, Guo Z, Liu G, Hu Z, Huang Y, Li Y, Grabinski TM, Yang J, Zhao PX, Everett AD, Zhang Y, Cao BB PMID: 20193688 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Immunological Methods)

Reliable biomarkers needed for early detection of liver cancer

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Gastroenterological Association) While biomarkers are needed to complement ultrasound in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, neither des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin nor the most widely used biomarker, alpha fetoprotein, is optimal. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Reliable biomarkers needed for early detection of liver cancer

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

While biomarkers are needed to complement ultrasound in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, neither des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin nor the most widely used biomarker, alpha fetoprotein, is optimal, according to a new study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

GOLPH2 expression may serve as diagnostic marker in seminomas

BMC Urology - Latest articles — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression pattern of GOLPH2 in testicular seminomas, the most common histologic subtype of testicular neoplasm. Methods: GOLPH2 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 69 testicular seminomas and compared to the expression rates in matching normal testicular tissue and intratubular germ cell neoplasia of unclassified type (IGCNU). In addition, a subset of Leydig cell tumours was analyzed accordingly. Results: GOLPH2 was consistently overexpressed (89.9%) in seminomas. Matching non-neoplastic tissue showed weak or negative staining. The observed differences between non-neoplastic and neoplastic tissue were statistically highly significant (p (Source: BMC Urology - Latest articles)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

What is the relationship between epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 and RhoC in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No abstract. (Source: Hepatology)

Automatic temperature control for MR-guided interstitial ultrasound ablation in liver using a percutaneous applicator: Ex vivo and in vivo initial studies.

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Delabrousse E, Salomir R, Birer A, Paquet C, Mithieux F, Chapelon JY, Cotton F, Lafon C Image-guided thermal ablation offers minimally invasive options for treating hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal metastases in liver. Here, the feasibility and the potential benefit of active temperature control for MR-guided percutaneous ultrasound ablation was investigated in pig liver. An MR-compatible interstitial ultrasound applicator (flat transducer), a positioning system with rotation-translation guiding frame, and an orbital ring holder were developed. Step-by-step rotated elementary lesions were produced, each being formed by directive heating of a flame-shaped volume of tissue. In vivo feasibility of automatic temperature control was investigated on two pigs. Proton Resonance...

Proteomics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Serum Vimentin As a Surrogate Marker for Small Tumors (≤2 cm)

Journal of Proteome Research — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:55:52 +0100

Journal of Proteome Research, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Journal of Proteome Research)

FAK is involved in invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Clinical and Experimental Metastasis — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:58:17 +0100

In this study, we examined FAK and phosphorylated FAK Tyr397 expression in a large series of HCCs. We found that both FAK and phosphorylated FAK Tyr397 were overexpressed in HCC samples and HCC cell lines. Increased FAK and phosphorylated FAK Tyr397 expressions were correlated with tumor stage, vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis in HCC. Furthermore, HCC cell adhesion, migration and invasion were substantially impaired by siRNA-mediated knockdown of FAK expression, whereas cell growth, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were not affected. In addition, depletion of FAK induced a significant reduction in expressions and activities of both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Taken together, FAK contributes to invasion and metastasis of HCC partly through regulating expressions and activations...

Aggressive recurrence of gastric cancer as a granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor-producing tumor

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:50:03 +0100

Abstract A 62-year-old Japanese man presented with a 1-month history of inter-digestive epigastralgia. His family history included a sister with gastric cancer. Gastroendoscopy and gastrography demonstrated a type-2 tumor in the upper region of the stomach. CT scan and fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG–PET) scan demonstrated gastric cancer and its metastatic lymph nodes. The patient underwent total gastrectomy with splenectomy and extended lymph node dissection. Although postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy by S-1 was started, the deteriorating condition of the patient prevented drug administration and even eating meals. On the 19th postoperative day (POD), FDG–PET scan of the body demonstrated new uptake in the liver and lymph node around the aorta...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Hepatotoxicity of intra-arterial combination chemotherapy in patients with liver cirrhosis and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:47:47 +0100

Conclusions IACC might cause hepatotoxicity that induces fibrosis without releasing aminotransferases. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-010-1270-8Authors Hidenari Nagai, Toho University Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine (Omori), School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine 6-11-1, Omorinishi Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-8541 JapanTeppei Matsui, Toho University Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine (Omori), School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine 6-11-1, Omorinishi Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-8541 JapanMasahiro Kanayama, Toho University Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine (Omori), School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine 6-11-1, Omorinish...

Coronin-1C is a novel biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma invasive progression identified by proteomics analysis and clinical validation

Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Coronin-1C could be a candidate biomarker to predict HCC invasive behavior. (Source: Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research)

Creation and characterization of a cell-death reporter cell line for hepatitis C virus infection.

Antiviral Research — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chen Z, Simeon R, Chockalingam K, Rice CM The present study describes the creation and characterization of a hepatoma cell line, n4mBid, that supports all stages of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle and strongly reports HCV infection by a cell-death phenotype. The n4mBid cell line is derived from the highly HCV-permissive Huh-7.5 hepatoma cell line and contains a modified Bid protein (mBid) that is cleaved and activated by the HCV serine protease NS3-4A. N4mBid exhibited a 10-20 fold difference in cell viability between the HCV-infected and mock-infected states, while the parental Huh-7.5 cells showed <2 fold difference under the same conditions. The pronounced difference in n4mBid cell viability between the HCV- and mock-infected states in a 96-well plate format point...

Decreased Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis B Vaccinees: A 20-Year Follow-up Study

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:04:40 +0100

This study sought to determine whether prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by hepatitis B vaccination extended beyond childhood and to identify the predictors of HCC for those vaccinated. Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

News From The Journal Of Clinical Investigation: Feb. 22, 2010

Dermatology News From Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

News From The Journal Of Clinical Investigation: Feb. 22, 2010

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

VIROLOGY: Successfully modeling hepatitis B and C virus infection Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infect liver cells, and persistent infection can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and/or a form of liver cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. Current small animal models of HBV and HCV infection are not particularly good, and new models are needed if we are to learn more about how these viruses operate and test new potential therapeutics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Adequate extent in radical re-resection of incidental gallbladder carcinoma: analysis of the German Registry

Surgical Endoscopy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:09:02 +0100

Conclusions The wedge-resection technique combined with lymph node dissection may be the surgical strategy of choice in T1 tumor cases. For T2 tumors, IVb/V resection combined with lymph node dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament appears to be the minimum volume of resection required. More radical procedures are needed for tumors infiltrating the serosa or beyond. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00464-010-0914-4Authors Thorsten Oliver Goetze, Ketteler-Krankenhaus Department of Surgery Lichtenplattenweg 85 63071 Offenbach am Main GermanyVittorio Paolucci, Ketteler-Krankenhaus Department of Surgery Lichtenplattenweg 85 63071 Offenbach am Main Germany Journal Surgical EndoscopyOnline ISSN 1432-2218Print ISSN 0930-2794 (Source: Surgical Endoscopy)

Primary carcinoid tumor of the gallbladder: A case report and brief review of the literature

World Journal of Surgical Oncology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Primary carcinoid tumor of the gallbladder is uncommon. The definite diagnosis is often made on histopathological results after surgery. (Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology)

Late-onset venous outflow obstruction treated by placement of a Foley balloon catheter in living donor liver transplantation using a left lobe

Clinical Transplantation — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Nomura R, Ishizaki Y, Sugo H, Yoshimoto J, Imamura, H, Kawasaki S. Late-onset venous outflow obstruction treated by placement of a Foley balloon catheter in living donor liver transplantation using a left lobe.Clin Transplant 2010 © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: A 60-yr-old man having hepatitis C virus-associated liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma underwent living donor liver transplantation using a left liver graft. On post-operative day 20, the patient developed a large amount of ascites and hypovolemic shock because of decreased venous return. Emergency laparotomy revealed that fixation of the round ligament to the abdominal wall was loose, and free movement of the graft into the right subphrenic space had caused twisting the hepatic vein. After upward traction of the ...

GADD45[alpha] mediates arsenite-induced cell apoptotic effect in human hepatoma cells via JNKs/AP-1-dependent pathway

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have disclosed that arsenite effectively induces the apoptotic response in the HepG2 human hepatoma cells by triggering GADD45[alpha] induction and the subsequent activation of JNKs/AP-1 cell death pathway. However, signaling events relating to GADD45[alpha]/JNKs/AP-1 pathway activation have not been observed in HL7702 human diploid hepatic cells under the same arsenite exposure condition. Our results thus have illustrated the selective pro-apoptotic role of arsenite in the hepatoma cells by activating GADD45[alpha]-dependent cell death pathway whereas with little effect on the normal hepatic cells. The approaches to up-regulate GADD45[alpha] levels might be helpful in improving the chemotherapeutic action of arsenite on certain solid tumors including hepatoma. J. Cell. B...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

c-kit (CD117) Expression in Human Tumors and its Prognostic Value: An Immunohistochemical Analysis.

Pathology Oncology Research — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Medinger M, Kleinschmidt M, Mross K, Wehmeyer B, Unger C, Schaefer HE, Weber R, Azemar M c-kit functions as a tyrosine kinase receptor and represents a target for small molecule kinase inhibitors. The expression pattern for c-kit was studied in different human tumor types to their correlation with prognosis. Paraffin-embedded tumor tissues from 282 patients were analyzed immunohistochemically for c-kit expression. Survival and follow-up data were available from 192/282 (68%) patients. c-kit immunopositivity was found in 62/282 (22%) cases. c-kit expression was found in 14/83 (17%) colorectal cancers, in 13/62 (21%) breast cancers, in 7/20 sarcomas (35%), in 5/14 (36%) renal cell carcinomas, in 2/12 ovarian cancers (17%) and in 2/12 (17%) hepatocellular carcinomas. We found no ...

Association of a variant in MIR196A2 with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma in male Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Human Immunology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Qi P, Dou TH, Zhou FG, Gu X, Wang H, Gao CF MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs with regulatory functions as tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Recent studies have implicated that the rs11614913 SNP in MIR196A2 was associated with susceptibility of lung cancer, congenital heart disease, breast cancer and shortened survival time of non-small cell lung cancer. To assess whether this polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to and clinicopathologic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a total of 560 patients with chronic HBV infection and 391 healthy volunteers were enrolled, and MIR196A2 polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-ligation detection reaction (PCR-LDR). In our study group, there was no signific...

Proteomic analysis of HBV-associated HCC: Insights on mechanisms of disease onset and biomarker discovery.

Journal of Proteomics — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Niu D, Feng H, Chen WN The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be considered as an end-stage outcome of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Early prognostic markers are needed to allow effective treatments and prevent HCC from developing. Proteomics analysis has been used to identify markers from clinical samples from HCC patients. This approach can be further improved by identifying early biomarkers before the onset of HCC. One way would be to use the cell-based HBV replication system, which is reflective of the early stage of virus infection and thus secreted proteins identified at this stage may have relevance in HCC prognosis. In this review, we focus the discussion on the current status of proteomics analysis of cellular proteins and HCC biomarker ide...

Adult height and cancer mortality in Asia: the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration

Annals of Oncology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:25:36 +0100

Conclusions: In the present study, taller men and women had an elevated risk of selected malignancies. These associations did not differ appreciably between Asian and Caucasian populations. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Glycemic index and glycemic load: application in observational studies and association with hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Meaningful or error prone?

Annals of Oncology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:25:34 +0100

(Source: Annals of Oncology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Is visceral fat accumulation really an independent risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after curative treatment in patients with suspected NASH?

Gut — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:58:24 +0100

(Source: Gut)

[Newsdesk] Research brief

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) puts individuals at risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. Standard interferon-based therapy for HCV infection is costly, time-consuming, and fails in about 50% of patients, but the lack of good assay systems has hampered the development of new HCV antivirals. Two recent studies may help to remedy this situation. In the first, researchers describe a cell-based fluorescent reporter system that allows real-time imaging of HCV infection. The system consists of human hepatoma cells (Huh-7.5) stably transduced with fluorescently labelled interferon-β promoter stimulator protein 1, a substrate of the HCV-encoded protease HCV NS3-4A. Productive infection of these cells with HCV causes fluorescence relocalisation, which can be used to study HCV biology...

A mutant of HBx (HBxDelta127) promotes hepatoma cell growth via sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c involving 5-lipoxygenase.

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:HBxDelta127 promotes hepatoma cell growth through activating SREBP-1c involving 5-LOX. PMID: 20173757 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Pharmacologica Sinica)

Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A decalogue from the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) Expert Committee

Digestive and Liver Disease — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report the evidence-based Italian Association for the Study of Liver guidelines for the appropriate diagnosis and management of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in clinical practice and its related research agenda.The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease varies according to age, gender and ethnicity. In the general population, the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is about 25% and the incidence is of two new cases/100 people/year. 2–3% of individuals in the general population will suffer from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Uncomplicated steatosis will usually follow a benign course. Individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, however, have a reduced life expectancy, mainly owing to vascular diseases and liver-related causes. Moreover, steatosis h...

Feasibility of 125I brachytherapy combined with sorafenib treatment in patients with multiple lung metastases after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 06:54:33 +0100

Conclusion 125I brachytherapy combined with sorafenib is safe, feasible and promising approach in the treatment of patients with multiple lung metastases after OLT for HCC, but large-scale randomized clinical trials are necessary for confirmation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00432-010-0821-zAuthors Chuanxing Li, Sun Yat-sen University Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China 651 Dongfeng Road, East Guangzhou 510060 Guangdong People’s Republic of ChinaFujun Zhang, Sun Yat-sen University Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China 651 Dongfeng Road, East Guangzhou 5...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

The selective autophagy substrate p62 activates the stress responsive transcription factor Nrf2 through inactivation of Keap1

Nature Cell Biology — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Masaaki Komatsu, Hirofumi Kurokawa, Satoshi Waguri, Keiko Taguchi, Akira Kobayashi, Yoshinobu Ichimura, Yu-Shin Sou, Izumi Ueno, Ayako Sakamoto, Kit I. Tong, Mihee Kim, Yasumasa Nishito, Shun-ichiro Iemura, Tohru Natsume, Takashi Ueno, Eiki Kominami, Hozumi Motohashi, Keiji Tanaka & Masayuki Yamamoto Impaired selective turnover of p62 by autophagy causes severe liver injury accompanied by the formation of p62-positive inclusions and upregulation of detoxifying enzymes. These phenotypes correspond closely to the pathological conditions seen in human liver diseases, including alcoholic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological processes in these events are still unknown. Here we report the identification of a novel regulator...

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Diagnosis

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 003-016DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247128ABSTRACTHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in incidence in many countries, and is the most common cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. With regular surveillance, small early HCC lesions can be identified. An algorithm has been developed that allows for diagnosis of these lesions. Very early HCC lesions have high cure rates with appropriate treatment. If all these factors are in place most HCCs can be cured.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Liver Disease)

Pathology of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Conventional and Molecular Diagnosis

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 017-025DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247129ABSTRACTRecently, an East–West consensus on the histopathologic criteria for the diagnosis of high-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDN) versus early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was reached. Next to classical morphologic criteria such as nucleocytoplasmic ratio, thickness of cell plates, mitotic index, and architectural disturbance like acinar structures, one of the most relevant criteria to diagnose early HCC is stromal invasion. Because a structured basement membrane is lacking along the hepatocytes in the liver, invasion cannot be defined as tumor growth through the basement membrane as in other tissues. However, the number of portal tracts that are present in a nodule gradually decrease because the tumoral hepatocytes start...

Stem Cells in Hepatocarcinogenesis: Evidence from Genomic Data

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 026-034DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247130ABSTRACTIncreasing evidence suggests that many, perhaps all solid tumors contain a subset of cells that possess functional properties similar to the normal tissue stem cells, including self-renewal, unlimited proliferative capacity, and pluripotency. The hierarchical cancer model that places a cancer stem cell (CSC) population at the apex of tumor formation is based on this notion. The cancer stem cell hypothesis posits that CSCs are responsible not only for tumor initiation, but also generation of metastasis and local recurrence after therapy. Current definitions of the CSC are based only on functional properties regardless of potential cellular origin. Histopathology investigations of chronic liver diseases and experimental stud...

Molecular Classification and Novel Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Advancements

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 035-051DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247131ABSTRACTHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of most lethal cancers worldwide. Strategic decisions for the advancement of molecular therapies in this neoplasm require a clear understanding of its molecular classification. Studies indicate aberrant activation of signaling pathways involved in cellular proliferation (e.g., epidermal growth factor and RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways), survival (e.g., Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway), differentiation (e.g., Wnt and Hedgehog pathways), and angiogenesis (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor), which is heterogeneously presented in each tumor. Integrative analysis of accumulated genomic datasets has revealed a global scheme...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Modified RECIST (mRECIST) Assessment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 052-060DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247132ABSTRACTThe endpoint in cancer research is overall survival. Nonetheless, other potential surrogate endpoints, such as response rate and time to progression, are currently used. Measurement of response rate in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a controversial issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria underestimate the actual response rate; thus, they were amended in 2000 by a panel of experts convened by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) to take into account treatment-induced tumor necrosis. Applying these guidelines, there was an association between response rate and outcome prediction. More recently, the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guideline was proposed as a m...

Current Strategy for Staging and Treatment: The BCLC Update and Future Prospects

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 061-074DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247133ABSTRACTStaging and treatment indication are relevant topics in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and for optimal results, they have to take into account liver function, tumor stage, and physical status. For any staging system to be meaningful it has to link staging with treatment indication; this should be based on robust scientific data. Currently, the sole proposal that serves both aims is the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) approach. It takes into account the relevant parameters of all important dimensions and divides patients into very early/early, intermediate, advanced, and end-stage. Early-stage HCC patients should be considered for potentially curative options such as resection, ablation,...

Identification of Novel Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 075-086DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247134ABSTRACTIdentification of novel oncogenes and tumor suppressors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging, both because of the tumor complexity and the difficulty in integrating the very large amount of data provided by different approaches. The authors consider it very important to identify new pathways of carcinogenesis and to understand the mechanisms underlying their alteration in tumors to design personalized treatments for HCC. In this review, the main global genomic approaches are considered in detail. The authors present a catalog of the most important oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that have been found to be mutated in HCC and hepatocellular adenoma. They also review the results provided by transcriptome and ...

Mouse Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 087-098DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247135ABSTRACTThe etiology of liver cancer is well known, but despite recent progress in the application of molecular techniques for the analysis of the development of these tumors, we still lack precise knowledge about pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Animal models can provide essential knowledge about HCC pathogenesis, particularly if they mimic the tissue environment in which human tumors develop. The synergism between studies in animal models and human tumors is strengthened by using comparative genomic analysis to identify genes and pathways that are critical for both mouse and human oncogenesis. In this article, the authors discuss some selective examples of constitutive, conditional, and inducible models of HCC dev...

A 70-Year-Old Woman with 10 Years of Markedly Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Measurements

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 099-106DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247136ABSTRACTThe incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is growing dramatically in the Western world. It is currently the fifth most common cancer worldwide, and the third most common cause of death from cancer. Studies clearly demonstrate that surveillance programs can increase the proportion of HCCs that are detected at an early stage, and improved therapeutic modalities, applied to early stage HCCs, improve cure rates and duration of survival in noncurable cases. What constitutes appropriate surveillance remains an unresolved issue. Measurements of serum α-fetoprotein and imaging, especially with ultrasound, are the most widely used elements in surveillance programs. The authors present a 70-year-old woman with chronic hep...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatic Adenocarcinosarcoma in a Patient with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cirrhosis

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 107-112DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247137ABSTRACTThe authors present the case of a 48-year-old man with hepatitis B cirrhosis, who developed two primary malignant liver tumors that were morphologically distinct from each other. The first tumor was a hepatocellular carcinoma and the second tumor, detected 17 months later was a hepatic carcinosarcoma with cholangiocarcinomatous and sarcomatous components, without any hepatocellular carcinoma component. Clonality studies using microsatellite-based loss of heterozygosity (LOH) demonstrated different LOH patterns existed between the hepatocellular carcinoma and the hepatic carcinosarcoma, indicative of different clonal origins. The authors discuss the histogenesis, histopathologic diagnosis, and clinical behavior of hepatic c...

Nutlin-3 cooperates with doxorubicin to induce apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through p53 or p73 signaling pathways

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:50:29 +0100

Conclusions Taken together, our findings suggest that Nutlin-3 will be active in the treatment of HCC and offers new prospects for overcoming DOX resistance. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00432-010-0817-8Authors Tongsen Zheng, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Department of General Surgery No. 23 Youzheng Street Harbin 150001 Heilongjiang Province ChinaJiabei Wang, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Department of General Surgery No. 23 Youzheng Street Harbin 150001 Heilongjiang Province ChinaXuan Song, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Department of General Surgery No. 23 Youzheng Street Harbin 150001 Heilongjiang Province ChinaXianzhi Meng, The First Affiliate...

Clinical Significance of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients Undergoing Partial Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

World Journal of Surgery — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:48:57 +0100

Conclusions Lymph node metastasis in patients with HCC is closely related to a lower survival rate. Regional lymph node dissection should always be performed to determine the precise stage of the disease. Hepatic resection with regional lymphadenectomy is a safe procedure in patients with HCC. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00268-010-0400-0Authors Shen Xiaohong, Medical College of Nankai University Tianjin 300071 ChinaLi Huikai, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Tianjin 300060 ChinaWang Feng, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Pathology Houston TX USAZhang Ti, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Pathology Houston TX USACui Yunlong, Cancer Hospital of Tianji...

Two Decades of Advances in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:24:17 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 001-002DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247219© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Seminars in Liver Disease)

Identification of chromosomal aberrations of metastatic potential in colorectal carcinoma

Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In colorectal cancer (CRC) care, treatment decisions depend on the efforts to estimate the metastatic potential of tumors. The liver is one of the most common metastatic sites of CRC and the prognosis of CRC patients often reflects metastases to distant sites. To identify chromosomal aberrations associated with liver metastasis, we performed allelic copy number analysis for CRC with or without synchronous liver metastasis using genotyping arrays. By allelic copy number analysis of CRC samples, we observed common aberrations in 14 chromosomal arms in two groups, that is, gains on 7p22.3-p11.2, 8q22.3-q24.3, 13q12.12-q34, and 20q11.22-q13.33 and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on 4q12-q35.1, 5q11.2-q35.3, 8p23.3-p12, 15q11.2-q26.3, 17p13.3-p11.2, 17q11.2-q25.1, 18p11.32-p11.21, 18q11.2-q23, 20p...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates HSP90alpha expression via activation of c-Myc in human hepatocarcinoma cell line, HepG2

BioMed Central — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results demonstrate the ability of HBx to promote tumor cells invasion by a mechanism involving the up-regulation of HSP90alpha and provide new insights into the mechanism of action of HBx and its involvement in tumor metastasis and recurrence of HCC. (Source: BioMed Central)

Application of DC Beads in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical and Radiological Results of a Drug Delivery Device for Transcatheter Superselective Arterial Embolization.

Onkologie — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:40:04 +0100

Conclusion: TACE with DC beads in HCC offers a safe and efficient treatment resulting in tumor response within a very short time. PMID: 20164659 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Onkologie)

Transarterial chemoembolisation using Doxorubicin beads for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Onkologie — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:40:04 +0100

Authors: Poston GJ PMID: 20164653 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Onkologie)

Overall Survival After Transarterial Lipiodol Infusion Chemotherapy With or Without Embolization for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Propensity Score Analysis

American Journal of Roentgenology — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:02:50 +0100

CONCLUSION. Propensity score analysis showed that in the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, TACE was associated with significantly better overall survival rates than was transarterial infusion therapy without embolization. TACE can be recommended as initial treatment of these patients. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)