Metallomic profile in non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma supports a phenomenon of metal metabolism adaptation in tumor cells

We have previously described a form of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in non-cirrhotic liver (HCC-NC) developed by Peruvian patients. We analyzed the metallomic profile in hepatic tissues from two independent cohorts exhibiting HCC-NC. Clinical, histopathological data, and HCC and non-tumoral liver (NTL) samples of 38 Peruvian and 38 French HCC-NC patients, were studied. Twelve metals were quantified using ICP/MS: Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Mo, Cd, Pb, and Sn. Associations between metals and survival were assessed. Our data showed significant differences between cohorts. Mean ages were 40.6 ± 20, 67.5 ± 9 years old for Peruvians and French, respectively. Fifty percent of the Peruvian patients were positive for the HBsAg, versus 3% in French patients. Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Mo, Cd, Sn metal concentrations were higher in NTL of Peruvians. Importantly, metal concentrations were lower in HCC areas compared to NTL tissues in both cohorts, except for Cu for which mean concentration was higher in HCC (p < 0.05). Se concentration in HCC was associated with extended survival only in Peruvians. Our data, obtained in Peruvian and French HCC-NC cohorts, highlights similarity in the metallomic profile of HCC compared to NTL during the hepatic tumorigenesis in these specific groups of patients.

Metallomic Profile in Non-cirrhotic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Supports a Phenomenon of Metal Metabolism Adaptation in Tumor Cells

Our group has previously described a particular form of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in non-cirrhotic liver (HCC-NC) developed in Peruvian patients Our aim is to analyze the HCC-NC from clinical-biological findings in two different cohorts (Peruvian and French) and the link with metallomic profile. Clinical, histopathological and also tumoral (T) and non-tumoral liver (NTL) samples of 38 Peruvian and 45 French patients were studied. Twelve metals were assayed using ICP/MS: Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Mo, Cd, Pb, and Sn. Possible associations between metals and survival were also evaluated. Overall, results show clearly differences between both cohorts. Mean age were 41 ± 20 and 68 ± 9 years-old for Peruvians and French, respectively. 80% of Peruvian patients were positive for the HBsAg, versus 9% in French patients. Metals concentrations were higher in the NTL of Peruvians (p < 0.05) compared to the French. In both cohort metal concentrations were lower in HCC areas compared to NTL, excepted for Cu for which mean concentration was increased in HCC (p < 0.05). Se concentration in HCC was associated with better survival only in Peruvians. Our data shows, in both HCC-NC cohorts, that the process of hepatic tumorigenesis impact similarity the metallomic profile in tumor.

Genetic Disorders Associated with Metal Metabolism

Genetic disorders associated with metal metabolism form a large group of disorders and mostly result from defects in the proteins/enzymes involved in nutrient metabolism and energy production. These defects can affect different metabolic pathways and cause mild to severe disorders related to metal metabolism. Some disorders have moderate to severe clinical consequences. In severe cases, these elements accumulate in different tissues and organs, particularly the brain. As they are toxic and interfere with normal biological functions, the severity of the disorder increases. However, the human body requires a very small amount of these elements, and a deficiency of or increase in these elements can cause different genetic disorders to occur. Some of the metals discussed in the present review are copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and selenium. These elements may play a key role in the pathology and physiology of the nervous system.

Exploiting Cancer Metal Metabolism using Anti-Cancer Metal- Binding Agents

Metals are vital cellular elements necessary for multiple indispensable biological processes of living organisms, including energy transduction and cell proliferation. Interestingly, alterations in metal levels and also changes in the expression of proteins involved in metal metabolism have been demonstrated in a variety of cancers. Considering this and the important role of metals for cell growth, the development of drugs that sequester metals has become an attractive target for the development of novel anti-cancer agents. Interest in this field has surged with the design and development of new generations of chelators of the thiosemicarbazone class. These ligands have shown potent anticancer and anti-metastatic activity in vitro and in vivo. Due to their efficacy and safe toxicological assessment, some of these agents have recently entered multi-center clinical trials as therapeutics for advanced and resistant tumors. This review highlights the role and changes in homeostasis of metals in cancer and emphasizes the pre-clinical development and clinical assessment of metal ion-binding agents, namely, thiosemicarbazones, as antitumor agents.