1
|
Chen TH, Lin SH, Lee MY, Wang HC, Tsai KF, Chou CK. Mitochondrial alterations and signatures in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2025; 44:34. [PMID: 39966277 PMCID: PMC11836208 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-025-10251-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer worldwide. Its primary risk factors are chronic liver diseases such as metabolic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatitis B and C viral infections. These conditions contribute to a specific microenvironment in liver tumors which affects mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are energy producers in cells and are responsible for maintaining normal functions by controlling mitochondrial redox homeostasis, metabolism, bioenergetics, and cell death pathways. HCC involves abnormal mitochondrial functions, such as accumulation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, hypoxia, impairment of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, irregularities in mitochondrial dynamic fusion/fission mechanisms, and mitophagy. Cell death mechanisms, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis and play a significant role in chemoresistance. The relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and HCC is thus noteworthy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in mitochondrial alterations and signatures in HCC and attempt to elucidate its molecular biology. Here, we provide an overview of the mitochondrial processes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis and offer new insights into the molecular pathology of the disease. This may help guide future research focused on improving patient outcomes using innovative therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Hsien Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, 60002, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsien Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, 60002, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yang Lee
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, 60002, Taiwan
- Min-Hwei Junior College of Health Care Management, Tainan, 73658, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Chen Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, 62102, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Feng Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, 70965, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Sciences Industry, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, 71101, Taiwan.
| | - Chu-Kuang Chou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, 60002, Taiwan.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, 60002, Taiwan.
- Obesity Center, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, 60002, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Quality, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, 60002, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang C, Huang T, Li L. Targeting cuproptosis for cancer therapy: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:68. [PMID: 39152464 PMCID: PMC11328505 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death induced by excessive copper (Cu) accumulation within cells. Mechanistically, cuproptosis results from Cu-induced aggregation of dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase, correlated with the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and the loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, ultimately resulting in proteotoxic stress and triggering cell death. Recently, cuproptosis has garnered significant interest in tumor research due to its potential as a crucial therapeutic strategy against cancer. In this review, we summarized the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relationship with other types of cell death. Additionally, we reviewed the current drugs or strategies available to induce cuproptosis in tumor cells, including Cu ionophores, small compounds, and nanomedicine. Furthermore, we targeted cell metabolism and specific regulatory genes in cancer therapy to enhance tumor sensitivity to cuproptosis. Finally, we discussed the feasibility of targeting cuproptosis to overcome tumor chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance and suggested future research directions. This study suggested that targeting cuproptosis could open new avenues for developing tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenliang Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Huang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang D, Kroemer G, Kang R. Targeting cuproplasia and cuproptosis in cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:370-388. [PMID: 38486054 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00876-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Copper, an essential trace element that exists in oxidized and reduced forms, has pivotal roles in a variety of biological processes, including redox chemistry, enzymatic reactions, mitochondrial respiration, iron metabolism, autophagy and immune modulation; maintaining copper homeostasis is crucial as both its deficiency and its excess are deleterious. Dysregulated copper metabolism has a dual role in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy. Specifically, cuproplasia describes copper-dependent cell growth and proliferation, including hyperplasia, metaplasia and neoplasia, whereas cuproptosis refers to a mitochondrial pathway of cell death triggered by excessive copper exposure and subsequent proteotoxic stress (although complex interactions between cuproptosis and other cell death mechanisms, such as ferroptosis, are likely and remain enigmatic). In this Review, we summarize advances in our understanding of copper metabolism, the molecular machineries underlying cuproplasia and cuproptosis, and their potential targeting for cancer therapy. These new findings advance the rapidly expanding field of translational cancer research focused on metal compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Equipe labellisée-Ligue contre le cancer, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schilsky ML, Roberts EA, Bronstein JM, Dhawan A, Hamilton JP, Rivard AM, Washington MK, Weiss KH, Zimbrean PC. A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of Wilson disease: 2022 Practice Guidance on Wilson disease from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2022:01515467-990000000-00207. [PMID: 36151586 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Schilsky
- Medicine and Surgery , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , Connecticut , USA
| | - Eve A Roberts
- Paediatrics, Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Jeff M Bronstein
- Neurology , University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs , King's College Hospital , London , UK
| | - James P Hamilton
- Medicine , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Anne Marie Rivard
- Food and Nutrition Services , Yale New Haven Hospital , New Haven , Connecticut , USA
| | - Mary Kay Washington
- Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology , Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville , Tennessee , USA
| | | | - Paula C Zimbrean
- Psychiatry , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , Connecticut , USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lynch EN, Campani C, Innocenti T, Dragoni G, Forte P, Galli A. Practical insights into chronic management of hepatic Wilson’s disease. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:4334-4347. [PMID: 35663095 PMCID: PMC9125272 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i14.4334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare inherited disorder of human copper metabolism, with an estimated prevalence of 1:30000-1:50000 and a broad spectrum of hepatic and neuropsychiatric manifestations. In healthy individuals, the bile is the main route of elimination of copper. In WD patients, copper accumulates in the liver, it is released into the bloodstream, and is excreted in urine. Copper can also be accumulated in the brain, kidneys, heart, and osseous matter and causes damage due to direct toxicity or oxidative stress. Hepatic WD is commonly but not exclusively diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood. Adherent, non-cirrhotic WD patients seem to have a normal life expectancy. Nevertheless, chronic management of patients with Wilson’s disease is challenging, as available biochemical tests have many limitations and do not allow a clear identification of non-compliance, overtreatment, or treatment goals. To provide optimal care, clinicians should have a complete understanding of these limitations and counterbalance them with a thorough clinical assessment. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with practical tools and suggestions which may answer doubts that can arise during chronic management of patients with hepatic WD. In particular, it summarises current knowledge on Wilson’s disease clinical and biochemical monitoring and treatment. It also analyses available evidence on pregnancy and the role of low-copper diet in WD. Future research should focus on trying to provide new copper metabolism tests which could help to guide treatment adjustments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Nicola Lynch
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Claudia Campani
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Tommaso Innocenti
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dragoni
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Paolo Forte
- Division of Gastroenterology, University Hospital “Careggi”, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schroeder SM, Matsukuma KE, Medici V. Wilson disease and the differential diagnosis of its hepatic manifestations: a narrative review of clinical, laboratory, and liver histological features. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1394. [PMID: 34733946 PMCID: PMC8506558 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective The goal of the present work is to provide an overview of the differential diagnosis of Wilson disease. Background Wilson disease is a rare condition due to copper accumulation primarily in the liver and brain. Although there is no definitive cure, current anti-copper treatments are associated with better outcomes if initiated early and if the diagnosis is made promptly. However, diagnostic delays are frequent and often Wilson disease represents a diagnostic challenge. The diagnosis ultimately relies on a combination of clinical, laboratory and genetic findings, and it is crucial that clinicians list Wilson disease in their differential diagnosis, especially in patients presenting with a hepatocellular pattern of liver injury. Some biochemical and liver histological features of Wilson disease overlap with those of more common conditions including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. In particular, hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte glycogenated nuclei, ballooning degeneration, and Mallory-Denk bodies are often identified in Wilson disease as well as more common liver diseases. In addition, the natural history of liver damage in Wilson disease and the risk of developing liver cancer are largely understudied. Methods We conducted an enlarged review of published papers on Wilson disease focusing on its diagnosis and distinctive clinical and liver pathology features in relation to common non-cholestatic liver diseases with the final goal in aiding clinicians in the diagnostic process of this rare but treatable condition. Conclusions Aside from markedly altered copper metabolism, Wilson disease has essentially no pathognomonic features that can distinguish it from more common liver diseases. Clinicians should be aware of this challenge and consider Wilson disease in patients presenting with a hepatocellular pattern of liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Schroeder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Karen E Matsukuma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Valentina Medici
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fukutomi K, Sakamori R, Furuta K, Shigekawa M, Yamada R, Kodama T, Hikita H, Yakushijin T, Tatsumi T, Honma K, Morii E, Takehara T. Hepatocellular carcinoma in a case of Wilson's disease with non-cirrhotic liver. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.2957/kanzo.58.519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Fukutomi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Ryotaro Sakamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Kunimaro Furuta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Minoru Shigekawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Ryoko Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Hayato Hikita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Takayuki Yakushijin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Tomohide Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Keiichiro Honma
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Osaka University Hospital
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Osaka University Hospital
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Hepatic involvement in Wilson disease (WD) manifests as a diffuse chronic disease in the majority of patients. However, in a subset of patients focal liver lesions may develop, presenting with a wide range of imaging features. The majority of focal liver lesions in patients with WD are benign nodules, but there are reports that have described malignant liver tumors or dysplastic nodules in these patients. Because of the possibility of malignant transformation of liver nodules, major concerns have been raised with respect to the management and follow-up of patients with WD in whom focal liver lesions have been identified. The assessment of liver involvement in patients with WD is generally performed with ultrasonography. However, ultrasonography conveys limited specificity so that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is often performed to improve lesion characterization. This review was performed to illustrate the spectrum of MR imaging features of focal liver lesions that develop in patients with WD. It is assumed that familiarity with the MR imaging presentation of focal liver lesions in WD may help clarify the actual nature of hepatic nodules in patients with this condition.
Collapse
|
9
|
da Silva CR, Almeida GS, Caldeira-de-Araújo A, Leitão AC, de Pádula M. Influence of Ogg1 repair on the genetic stability of ccc2 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chemically challenged with 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO). Mutagenesis 2015; 31:107-14. [PMID: 26275420 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gev062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, disruption of genes by deletion allowed elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of a series of human diseases, such as in Wilson disease (WD). WD is a disorder of copper metabolism, due to inherited mutations in human copper-transporting ATPase (ATP7B). An orthologous gene is present in S. cerevisiae, CCC2 gene. Copper is required as a cofactor for a number of enzymes. In excess, however, it is toxic, potentially carcinogenic, leading to many pathological conditions via oxidatively generated DNA damage. Deficiency in ATP7B (human) or Ccc2 (yeast) causes accumulation of intracellular copper, favouring the generation of reactive oxygen species. Thus, it becomes important to study the relative importance of proteins involved in the repair of these lesions, such as Ogg1. Herein, we addressed the influence Ogg1 repair in a ccc2 deficient strain of S. cerevisiae. We constructed ccc2-disrupted strains from S. cerevisiae (ogg1ccc2 and ccc2), which were analysed in terms of viability and spontaneous mutator phenotype. We also investigated the impact of 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) on nuclear DNA damage and on the stability of mitochondrial DNA. The results indicated a synergistic effect on spontaneous mutagenesis upon OGG1 and CCC2 double inactivation, placing 8-oxoguanine as a strong lesion-candidate at the origin of spontaneous mutations. The ccc2 mutant was more sensitive to cell killing and to mutagenesis upon 4-NQO challenge than the other studied strains. However, Ogg1 repair of exogenous-induced DNA damage revealed to be toxic and mutagenic to ccc2 deficient cells, which can be due to a detrimental action of Ogg1 on DNA lesions induced in ccc2 cells. Altogether, our results point to a critical and ambivalent role of BER mediated by Ogg1 in the maintenance of genomic stability in eukaryotes deficient in CCC2 gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia R da Silva
- Laboratório de Radio e Fotobiologia, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20551-030, Brasil, Laboratório de Radiobiologia Molecular; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21.941-902, Brasil and
| | - Gabriella S Almeida
- Laboratório de Radio e Fotobiologia, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20551-030, Brasil, Laboratório de Radiobiologia Molecular; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21.941-902, Brasil and Laboratório de Microbiologia e Avaliação Genotóxica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21.941-902, Brasil
| | - Adriano Caldeira-de-Araújo
- Laboratório de Radio e Fotobiologia, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20551-030, Brasil
| | - Alvaro C Leitão
- Laboratório de Radiobiologia Molecular; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21.941-902, Brasil and
| | - Marcelo de Pádula
- Laboratório de Radiobiologia Molecular; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21.941-902, Brasil and Laboratório de Microbiologia e Avaliação Genotóxica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21.941-902, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pfeiffenberger J, Mogler C, Gotthardt DN, Schulze-Bergkamen H, Litwin T, Reuner U, Hefter H, Huster D, Schemmer P, Członkowska A, Schirmacher P, Stremmel W, Cassiman D, Weiss KH. Hepatobiliary malignancies in Wilson disease. Liver Int 2015; 35:1615-22. [PMID: 25369181 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS & AIMS Reports of hepatobiliary malignancies in Wilson disease are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatobiliary malignancies in Wilson disease patients concerning the clinical course of tumour disease and pathological analysis of tumour tissue. METHODS Multicenter cohort study of patients with confirmed diagnosis of Wilson disease treated at the Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland, the university hospitals Heidelberg, Duesseldorf and Dresden, Germany, and the Department of Hepatology, University Leuven, Belgium. Occurrence, treatment and outcome of hepatobiliary tumours were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS Of a total of 1186 patients, fourteen developed hepatobiliary malignancies. Eight were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and six were intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (ICC). The prevalence of hepatobiliary malignancies in the cohort was 1.2% and the incidence was 0.28 per 1000 person years. Pathological analysis of tumour material showed no abnormal copper concentration. CONCLUSIONS The rate of hepatobiliary malignancies in Wilson disease is very low, even in cirrhotic patients. As a result of the relevant number of ICC in addition to HCC histological analysis through surgical resection or biopsy should be mandatory when a suspect liver lesion is detected. The influence of copper depletion from Wilson disease-specific medical treatment on tumour activity remains to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Pfeiffenberger
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Thattil R, Dufour JF. Hepatocellular carcinoma in a non-cirrhotic patient with Wilson's disease. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:2110-3. [PMID: 23599633 PMCID: PMC3623991 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i13.2110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the exceptional case of hepatocellular carcinoma in a non-cirrhotic patient, whose Wilson’s disease was diagnosed at the unusual age of 58 years. The liver histology revealed macrovesicular steatosis with fibrosis, but no cirrhosis. The disease was treated with D-penicillamine for 3 years until acute discomfort in the right upper quadrant led to detection of multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma, which was successfully resected. The histological examination confirmed the malignant nature of the 4 lesions, which were classified according to Edmondson and Steiner as poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma grade 3. The non-tumoral parenchyma showed 80% steatosis with ballooned cells, lobular inflammation, septal fibrosis but no cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma is rare in Wilson’s disease, especially in the absence of cirrhosis. The literature’s 28 published cases are reviewed and the contributory role of copper in the hepatocarcinogenic process is discussed.
Collapse
|
12
|
Wright LM, Huster D, Lutsenko S, Wrba F, Ferenci P, Fimmel CJ. Hepatocyte GP73 expression in Wilson disease. J Hepatol 2009; 51:557-64. [PMID: 19596473 PMCID: PMC2750828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Revised: 04/29/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Wilson disease (WD) is a disorder of copper transport caused by mutations within the ATP7B gene. WD is phenotypically variable and can present with predominantly hepatic or neurologic manifestations. The mechanisms responsible for this variability are unknown. GP73, a Golgi membrane protein, is expressed in hepatocytes in response to acute and chronic liver disease. METHODS Hepatocyte GP73 expression was examined in the livers of WD patients by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. GP73 mRNA levels were measured in mice with a deletion of the WD gene (Atp7b(-/-)) by real-time PCR, and these values were compared to the concomitant histological abnormalities and previously reported copper levels. RESULTS Hepatocyte GP73 expression was more frequently observed in patients with hepatic versus neurologic presentation (79% vs. 30%, p<0.05). Furthermore, GP73 expression was significantly higher (44.7+/-14.0 vs. 2.0+/-0.81, p<0.05) in patients with hepatic phenotype. In Atp7b(-/-) mice, GP73 mRNA was significantly elevated at 20-46 weeks of age, coincident with extensive hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, but not at 6 weeks, when hepatic histology was normal despite significant copper overload. GP73 mRNA levels normalized concomitantly with the resolution of hepatic injury at 60-weeks. However, in tumor-like nodules GP73 was strikingly elevated. CONCLUSION Increased hepatocyte GP73 expression is more commonly a feature of hepatic than neurologic WD, and is triggered in response to inflammation, fibrosis, and dysplasia, rather than copper overload.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorinda M Wright
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mak CM, Lam CW. Diagnosis of Wilson's disease: a comprehensive review. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2008; 45:263-90. [PMID: 18568852 DOI: 10.1080/10408360801991055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism. The culprit gene is ATP7B. The worldwide prevalence is about 1 in 30,000, which may vary by population. Higher prevalence rates were reported using more sensitive screening techniques and pilot population screening. Typical presentations include neuropsychiatric and hepatic dysfunction, whereas atypical presentations are protean. Diagnosis relies on a high clinical suspicion, typical neurological symptoms, presence of Kayser-Fleischer rings, and reduced serum ceruloplasmin concentration. The conventional value of < 0.20 g/l is not a universal diagnostic value. Age of the subjects and analytical variations should be considered when interpreting these levels. Patients with inconclusive findings require further investigations such as 24 h urinary free-copper excretion, penicillamine challenge test, liver copper measurement, and detection of gene mutations. Direct molecular diagnosis remains the most decisive tool. Other tests such as non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper are unreliable. Potential pitfalls and limitations of these diagnostic markers are critically reviewed in this paper. The mainstays of therapy are trientine, penicillamine, and/or zinc. Liver transplantation is lifesaving for those with advanced disease. Ceruloplasmin oxidase activity and serum free-copper concentration should be monitored in patients on long-term de-coppering therapy to prevent iatrogenic copper deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe M Mak
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Affiliation(s)
- Eve A Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|