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Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Increases Cell Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Lydie Carreres1, Marion Mercey-Ressejac1,2, Keerthi Kurma1
1Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France.
Cells
|July 9, 2022
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes chronic intermittent hypoxia, potentially worsening liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) prognosis. This study found intermittent hypoxia increased cell proliferation in an HCC model, suggesting a link to poorer outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves chronic intermittent hypoxia, linked to increased mortality.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence and mortality are rising globally.
- The impact of OSA-related hypoxia on HCC progression is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of OSA-related chronic intermittent hypoxia on HCC progression.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of hypoxia's influence on HCC development.
- To assess if intermittent hypoxia exacerbates liver cancer in a relevant animal model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC rat model.
- Simulated OSA-related intermittent hypoxia exposure for six weeks.
- Employed histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq for analysis.
Main Results:
- DEN injections induced HCC hallmarks: cell proliferation, fibrosis, vascular changes, and hypoxia.
- Intermittent hypoxia significantly increased cell proliferation in DEN-induced HCC.
- Findings suggest hypoxia exacerbates liver cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Chronic intermittent hypoxia may worsen the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
- OSA could be a contributing factor to increased HCC progression and mortality.
- Further research is needed to confirm the clinical implications of these findings.
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