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Integrative pan-cancer analysis of transferrin reveals context-dependent prognostic associations and links to immune and metabolic disease-related programs.

BACKGROUND: Iron metabolism is closely linked to tumor biology, yet the pan-cancer significance of transferrin (TF), the major circulating iron-transport protein, remains insufficiently defined. Although TF has been implicated in cancer-related processes, its prognostic relevance, immune associations, and broader disease-related transcriptional context have not been systematically characterized across tumor types. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform an integrative pan-cancer analysis of TF to characterize its expression patterns, clinical associations, immune context, pathway features, and pharmacogenomic correlations, and to explore whether TF-related signals extend to selected metabolic and chronic organ injury settings. METHODS: We used multiple public databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), to integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and clinical data across 33 tumor types and selected non-malignant conditions. TF expression was evaluated across normal tissues, tumors, and cell lines, followed by survival analysis, immune infiltration analysis, TMB/MSI and methylation assessment, pathway enrichment, and drug-response correlation. Independent GEO cohorts of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), heart failure (HF), and liver cirrhosis (LC) were used for cross-disease extension. Selected findings were further explored in OA/PA-treated hepatocytes, 786-O renal carcinoma cells, and AC16 cardiomyocytes. RESULTS: TF showed pronounced tissue specificity and cancer-type-dependent dysregulation. Across pan-cancer cohorts, the most consistent adverse survival associations were observed in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), where TF remained associated with overall survival (OS) in multivariable analyses. TF expression was also correlated with cancer-type-specific immune infiltration patterns and selected drug-response profiles. Across independent NASH, HF, and LC datasets, TF expression was elevated and TF-associated pathways partially overlapped with those observed in cancer. In vitro experiments provided preliminary support that TF modulation is associated with proliferative phenotypes in KIRC cells and stress- and metabolism-related phenotypes in hepatocyte and cardiomyocyte models. CONCLUSION: These findings support TF as a context-dependent biomarker candidate in cancer, with the most consistent prognostic relevance observed in KIRC and STAD. Rather than establishing a unified mechanism across diseases, this study provides an integrative framework suggesting that TF is associated with malignant behavior, immune context, and selected metabolic stress-related programs, and warrants further mechanistic investigation.

Iron metabolism↗

Determination of carcinogenic potency of alkytoxynol-741 (AP-741) by rat peritoneal cell cultures.

The carcinogenic potency of AP-741 was tested in rats using the Nashed method of rat peritoneal cell short-term carcinogenic test. N-methyl-N-nitro-N'-nitrosoguanidian (MNNG) was used as positive control; saline and nonoxynol-9 (NP-9) were used as negative control. Two doses of AP-741 (4 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg equivalent to 4 and 40 times human doses) were tested. The result showed that no colonies of more than 9 cells were seen in the saline and NP-9 groups, and the two dose groups of AP-741. However, 12 +/- 8.3 colonies (9-29 cell/colony) and 4.5 +/- 4.2 colonies (30-300 cell/colony) were seen in the MNNG group. According to the Nashed criterion, we can say MNNG has potential carcinogenesis, while AP-741 does not have any potential carcinogenesis and its use as a vaginal contraceptive drug is safe.

Animals↗

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of disorders that encompasses simple hepatic steatosis and the more serious nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that can progress to cirrhosis. Although the prevalence of NAFLD in childhood is not clear, it is apparently more common than originally thought. The major association with NAFLD is obesity, and as the prevalence of obesity in childhood and adolescence increases, fatty liver is recognized with greater frequency. Although the factors associated with progression of liver disease have not been determined fully, the pathogenesis of NASH is a "two hit" process that includes disturbed lipid homeostasis, resistance to the effects of insulin and subsequent hyperinsulinemia, and local toxic effects of triglyceride on hepatocytes. Treatment options are currently limited.

Adolescent↗

Reducing percutaneous injuries at an academic health center: a 5-year review.

BACKGROUND: The University of Connecticut Health Center Employee Health Service collected and used National Surveillance System for Hospital Health Care Workers (NaSH) data to (1) improve surveillance of health care worker blood and body fluid exposures (BBFEs) and (2) target specific interventions for higher-risk groups (nursing staff, medical and dental students, and residents). METHODS: All 870 BBFE incidents were abstracted from the NaSH database from the 1997 through 2002 academic years. Incidence rates per 100 full-time-equivalent workers were determined for each targeted occupation group with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The number of percutaneous injuries declined among medical/dental students and nursing staff, and to a lesser degree for residents. The incidence rates decreased from 7.9% in 2000 to 2001 to 2.6% in 2001 to 2002 for students and from 9.2% in 1997 to 1998 to 2.7% in 2001 to 2002 for nursing staff. CONCLUSIONS: Data from a surveillance database provided guidance for administrative, educational, and engineering control interventions. Active surveillance and periodic review of interventions are important aspects to reduce BBFEs in targeted high-risk occupational groups, especially when the workforce has a high turnover, as is typical in academic health centers.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH): diagnosis and clinical course.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a frequent syndrome encompassing fatty liver alone and steatohepatitis (NASH). Often asymptomatic, the suspicion arises because of abnormal aminotransferases or a bright liver on abdominal ultrasound. It should be suspected during evaluation of associated conditions as obesity, diabetes or dyslipidaemia. The diagnostic evaluation must exclude other potential causes of liver disease and may include a liver biopsy, the only method able to confirm features of necroinflammation and fibrosis that define NASH and its prognostic implications. Indeed, the presence of necroinflammation has been associated with a significant risk of progression to cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Age >45 years, obesity and diabetes have also been associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis. Given the high prevalence of NAFLD, general measures of life-style changes, focusing on exercise, diet, and total alcohol abstinence, should be implemented before a liver biopsy is considered.

Aspartate Aminotransferases↗

How different is the dietary pattern in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed at evaluating whether patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) had a specific dietary pattern and how it compared with data representative from the same geographical region individuals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Clinical, biochemical and anthropometrics: weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were collected in 45 NASH patients. Diet history was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, analysed with the Food Processor Plus, and was compared, after adjustment for BMI, with data from a sample of 856 free-living individuals, frequency matched for sex and age. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 49.6+/-10.6 years, 26 F: 19 M, BMI: 31.2+/-5.0 kg/m2. Comparison of their diet history with control data (C) revealed that carbohydrate consumption was lower in patients (P): P-243.6+/-5.7 g vs. C-261.5+/-1.6 g, P<0.05, and most patients had very low fibre intake. Conversely, total fat consumption was higher in patients: P-79.7+/-1.7 g vs. 73.0+/-0.4, P<0.01. A significantly higher intake of n-6 fatty acids (P=0.003) and n-6/n-3 ratio was found in patients, P<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the quality and combination of carbohydrates and fat intake may be more relevant than their isolated amount; an increased fat intake with an excessive amount of n-6 fatty acids can be implicated in promoting necro-inflammation, and provides further grounds for individualized dietary therapy.

Adult↗

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist, pioglitazone, inhibits fat accumulation and fibrosis in the livers of rats fed a choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined diet.

Administration of a choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet to rats causes steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, a pathology similar to that observed in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study was to evaluate if a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonist, pioglitazone (PGZ), could ameliorate CDAA diet-induced fatty liver and cirrhosis. Rats were fed a CDAA diet for 1 week and were given the CDAA diet for an additional week with or without PGZ (2-week model). Also, after administration of the CDAA diet for 12 weeks, rats were administered the CDAA diet for an additional 4 weeks with or without PGZ (16-week model). The CDAA diet, administered for either one or 12 weeks, induced fatty liver or cirrhosis with up-regulation of hepatic PPAR-gamma expression, respectively. In the 2-week model, rats treated with PGZ for 1 week demonstrated significantly lower hepatic triglyceride content and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In the 16-week model, treatment for 4 weeks with PGZ ameliorated hepatic fibrosis with a decrease in the expression of procollagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-beta1 in comparison to rats without PGZ. These results suggest that PPAR-gamma agonist is a potential therapeutic modality to treat NASH.

Journal Article↗

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: histologic features and clinical correlations with 30 blinded biopsy specimens.

Thirty overweight patients with clinically characterized and biopsy proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were enrolled in a 48-week treatment trial with rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonist that enhances insulin sensitivity. Improvement in laboratory liver tests, insulin resistance and liver fat content were documented; blinded biopsy review demonstrated decreases in necroinflammatory activity or grade and in individual components of grade, and changes in the relationship of lobular and portal inflammation as well as in the nature of perisinusoidal fibrosis. The current study identified correlations of histological features of the protocol entry biopsy specimens with contemporaneous laboratory and imaging tests. Significant correlations with histologically assessed steatosis were liver fat, evaluated by computed tomography (P = 0.001); mean HbA1C, a measure of glycemic control (P = 0.004); and QUICKI, a measure of insulin sensitivity (P = 0.05). Histologically determined grades of steatohepatitis (SH) correlated with HbA1C (P = 0.01), and a trend toward elevated fasting glucose levels was seen. No subject in the study was cirrhotic at entry; fibrosis scores of the 30 subjects did not significantly correlate with age, gender, body mass index, or clinical tests. All subjects underwent 3 biopsies (prior, entry, and posttreatment), and all had undergone a prior biopsy with diagnostic SH. By blinded analysis, 7 study entry biopsy specimens did not fulfill published strict criteria for SH. Laboratory results from these subjects included normal fasting glucose level and, compared with the 23 subjects with criteria for SH, lower mean alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels (P = 0.02 for both), less insulin resistance (P = 0.03), and lower mean HbA1C (P = 0.001). We conclude that biopsy findings determined by blinded analysis correlated with image-detected steatosis, laboratory markers of hepatic inflammation, insulin resistance, and long-term glycemia; the findings confirm the usefulness of strict histological criteria in the evaluation of NASH.

Biopsy↗

Pentoxifylline attenuates steatohepatitis induced by the methionine choline deficient diet.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Feeding mice a methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet serves as a nutritional model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH and alcohol-induced steatohepatitis are histologically similar, suggesting a similar pathogenesis. Pentoxifylline (PTX) attenuates TNF-alpha production, acts as an antioxidant and decreases mortality in alcoholic steatohepatitis. The aim of our study is to determine if PTX attenuates MCD diet induced steatohepatitis and determine the mechanism of this effect. METHODS: Mice were placed on an MCD or control diet for 2 weeks and were treated with or without PTX. Serum ALT, liver histology, and inflammatory mechanisms were evaluated. RESULTS: PTX attenuates MCD diet induced steatohepatitis, decreasing both serum ALT levels and hepatic inflammation. Serum ALT levels were reduced approximately 50% in the MCD+PTX group compared to the MCD group. Hepatic glutathione levels were significantly higher in the MCD+PTX group compared to the MCD group. There was also a reduction in TNF-alpha mRNA in female mice treated with PTX. MCD+PTX mice had increased hepatic triglyceride content compared to the MCD mice, but less histologic evidence of inflammation despite the increased steatosis. Serum lipid and bile salt levels also were similar in PTX and vehicle control treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: PTX decreases serum ALT levels and hepatic inflammation in the MCD model of steatohepatitis, likely via increasing glutathione levels or reducing TNF-alpha expression.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Adult onset type II citrullinemia as a cause of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Adult onset type II citrullinemia (CTLN2) is an autosomal recessive disease accompanied with hyperammonemia and a sudden onset of psychiatric disorders. We demonstrated three male patients with CTLN2 having a liver histology of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Patients with NASH were analyzed for the causative gene of CTLN2, SLC25A13 and discussed.

Adolescent↗

Mice heterozygous for the Mdr2 gene demonstrate decreased PEMT activity and diminished steatohepatitis on the MCD diet.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The administration of a methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet to mice serves as an animal model of NASH. The multidrug resistant 2 (Mdr2) P-glycoprotein encodes for the canalicular phospholipid transporter, and Mdr2 (+/-) mice secrete 40% less phosphatidylcholine than wild-type mice. We have hypothesized that phosphatidylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PEMT) up-regulation is a consequence of MCD diet administration, and is important for the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis in this model. However, the effect of decreased phosphatidylcholine secretion and modulation of PEMT on the development of diet-induced steatohepatitis in Mdr2 (+/-) mice has not been explored. Thus, the purpose of the study is to examine the effects of the MCD diet on Mdr2 (+/-) mice. METHODS: Mdr2 (+/-) and Mdr2 (+/+) mice were treated with an MCD or control diet for up to 30 days, and the severity of steatohepatitis, PEMT activity and hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) levels were measured. RESULTS: Serum ALT levels, hepatic inflammation, and PEMT activity were significantly lower, and hepatic SAM:SAH ratios were significantly higher in Mdr2 (+/-) mice at 7 and 30 days on the MCD diet. CONCLUSIONS: Mdr2 (+/-) mice have diminished susceptibility to MCD diet-induced NASH, which is associated with a relative decrease in PEMT activity and increased SAM:SAH ratios.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

Hepatic gene expression profile associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis protection by S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine in ob/ob mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) prevention by S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC), an NO donor that inhibits lipid peroxidation, we examined hepatic differentially expressed genes between ob/ob mice receiving or not SNAC treatment concomitantly with a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet. METHODS: Ob/ob mice were assigned to receive oral SNAC fed solution (MCD+SNAC group) or vehicle (MCD group) by gavage. After four weeks, histopathological analysis and microarray hybridizations were conducted in liver tissues from groups. GeneSifter system was used to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways according to Gene Ontology. RESULTS: NASH was absent in the MCD+SNAC group and no significant changes in food intake or body weight were observed in comparison to MCD group. After SNAC treatment, several genes belonging to oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism pathways were down-regulated in comparison to the MCD group. CONCLUSIONS: SNAC treatment promotes down regulation of several genes from fatty acid (FA) metabolism related pathways, possibly through abrogation of the cytotoxic effects of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides with consequent prevention of mitochondrial overload. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical implications of these findings, in attempt to develop novel therapeutic strategies for NAFLD treatment.

Acetylcysteine↗

Aerobic exercise: a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with liver disease.

Fatigue is a symptom of liver disease. Indirect evidence suggests that this type of fatigue is centrally mediated. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may lead to cirrhosis, is associated with insulin resistance. An activated hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis results in increased secretion of cortisol releasing hormone, cortisol and catecholamines. Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol is associated with insulin resistance, as exemplified by the metabolic syndrome. Accumulation in visceral fat is an independent factor associated with insulin resistance. Central (visceral) fat is less sensitive to insulin than the rest of body fat and the central nervous system and not peripheral insulin, appears to regulate lipolysis in visceral fat by, at least in part, adrenergic mechanisms. Aerobic training has documented beneficial effects on mental health and fatigue secondary to chronic illness. In addition, aerobic training increases insulin sensitivity. Thus, aerobic training may decrease fatigue in liver disease and improve NASH.

Adipose Tissue↗

Race and comorbid factors predict nonalcoholic fatty liver disease histopathology in severely obese patients.

PURPOSE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common and potentially serious form of chronic liver disease. Although NAFLD is known to be associated with obesity and some comorbid conditions, less is known about the severity of NAFLD among different racial groups. METHODS: We prospectively studied 237 consecutive morbidly obese patients presenting for bariatric surgery. All patients underwent intraoperative liver biopsy and chart review. After excluding subjects who reported alcohol use (n = 37) or who had missing biopsy data (n = 11), 189 patients were available for analysis. Clinical and laboratory associations with each of the histological components of NAFLD were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 43.1 years, 84% were female, and 13% were African American. It was found that 88% had steatosis, including 35% with moderate to severe steatosis (> 33% of hepatocytes involved). Of these patients, 67% had inflammation, 46% had fibrosis, and 45% met Brunt's criteria for NASH. Compared with Caucasians and after adjustment, African Americans had significantly lower odds of severe hepatic pathology, with adjusted odds ratios of 0.1 (P = .02) for the presence of moderate or severe steatosis, 0.2 for inflammation (P = .006), 0.3 for fibrosis (P = .05), and 0.2 for NASH (P = .02). In addition, participants with one or more features of the metabolic syndrome (ie, diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia) or elevated aminotransferase levels had significantly higher odds of severe hepatic histopathology. CONCLUSION: Among obese patients presenting for bariatric surgery, NAFLD is more common in Caucasians, patients with features of the metabolic syndrome, and those with elevated aminotransferase levels.

Adult↗

Outcomes of liver transplantation for cryptogenic cirrhosis: a single-center study of 71 patients.

UNLABELLED: Cryptogenic cirrhosis (CC) is emerging as an important indication for orthotoptic liver transplantation (OLT) in the United States. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with CC and to evaluate outcomes following OLT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A chart review was performed on patients transplanted for CC at the University of Nebraska Medical Center between October 1993 and May 2003. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were identified (37 were men and 34 women). Average age was 53.5 years. Mean cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased from 174.8 to 222.3 mg/dL (P <.05) and from 162.60 to 279.66 mg/dL (P <.05), respectively. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus also increased from 37.14% to 54.93% (P <.05). Incidental hepatocellular carcinoma was present in six patients and high-grade dysplasia in one patient. Steatohepatitis developed in eight patients and recurrent cryptogenic disease in four, of whom one required retransplantation for decompensated liver disease. Rejection occurred in 24 patients. Cumulative incidence of graft failure at 1 year was 4% (95% CI 0% to 10%) and at 5 years was 7% (95% CI 0% to 18%). Survival at 1 year was 85% (95% CI 77% to 94%) and at 5 years was 73% (95% CI between 61% to 86%). CONCLUSIONS: Cryptogenic liver disease is an important cause of decompensated cirrhosis; NASH appears to be an intermediate stage in the development of this disease in a subset of patients. Short-term and 5-year survival rates in this series appear comparable to other liver transplant recipients, supporting liver transplantation as an acceptable treatment for CC.

Hepatitis, Chronic↗

Oxidation of glycerol to formaldehyde by rat liver microsomes.

Rat liver microsomes catalyzed the oxidation of glycerol to a Nash-reactive material in a time- and protein-dependent manner. Omission of the glycerol or the microsomes or any of the components of the NADPH-generating system resulted in almost a complete loss of product formation. Apparent Km and Vmax values for glycerol oxidation were about 18 mM and 2.5 nmol formaldehyde per min per mg microsomal protein. Carbon monoxide inhibited glycerol oxidation indicating a requirement for cytochrome P-450. That the Nash-reactive material was formaldehyde was validated by a glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase positive reaction. These studies indicate that glycerol is not inert when utilized with microsomes or reconstituted mixed function oxidase systems, and that the production of formaldehyde from glycerol may interfere with assays of other substrates which generate formaldehyde as product.

Animals↗

Coevolution to the edge of chaos: coupled fitness landscapes, poised states, and coevolutionary avalanches.

We introduce a broadened framework to study aspects of coevolution based on the NK class of statistical models of rugged fitness landscapes. In these models the fitness contribution of each of N genes in a genotype depends epistatically on K other genes. Increasing epistatic interactions increases the rugged multipeaked character of the fitness landscape. Coevolution is thought of, at the lowest level, as a coupling of landscapes such that adaptive moves by one player deform the landscapes of its immediate partners. In these models we are able to tune the ruggedness of landscapes, how richly intercoupled any two landscapes are, and how many other players interact with each player. All these properties profoundly alter the character of the coevolutionary dynamics. In particular, these parameters govern how readily coevolving ecosystems achieve Nash equilibria, how stable to perturbations such equilibria are, and the sustained mean fitness of coevolving partners. In turn, this raises the possibility that an evolutionary metadynamics due to natural selection may sculpt landscapes and their couplings to achieve coevolutionary systems able to coadapt well. The results suggest that sustained fitness is optimized when landscape ruggedness relative to couplings between landscapes is tuned such that Nash equilibria just tenuously form across the ecosystem. In this poised state, coevolutionary avalanches appear to propagate on all length scales in a power law distribution. Such avalanches may be related to the distribution of small and large extinction events in the record.

Biological Evolution↗

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

NASH is a form of chronic liver disease that is defined by biopsy findings and has the appearance of alcoholic hepatitis. Although this disease was once thought to be a problem of women, diabetics, and the obese, more recent studies have identified a significant proportion of patients who do not fit these risk factors. In a fraction of patients, the disease can progress to various stages of fibrosis leading ultimately to cirrhosis and death from end-stage liver disease. For this reason, recognition of NASH is important and provides a further impetus for performing a liver biopsy as part of the evaluation of unexplained liver biochemical abnormalities. The mainstay of treatment is weight reduction in the obese. For those individuals who are not obese, continued observation is the only available option at this point. With increasing knowledge about the pathophysiology of hepatic steatosis, perhaps more specific diagnostic tests for the cause of the disease in specific patients will be available and will guide appropriate therapy.

Biopsy↗