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Purpose Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can occur after radiotherapy (RT) for hepatobiliary malignancies. Our previous in vitro culture study identified interleukin-6 (IL-6) as the main bystander mediator of RT-induced HBV replication. We attempted to examine the molecular mechanism in HBV-transgenic mice. Methods and materials HBV transgenic mice were treated with whole liver RT (4 Gy daily for 5 days) with or without administration of IL-6 (400 ng twice daily for 15 days). The serum level of HBV DNA was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the IL-6 concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The intensity of immunostaining with antibodies to HBV core protein and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 in the mouse liver was qualitatively analyzed. HepG2.2.15 cells (a human hepatoblastoma cell line that persistently produces HBV DNA) were used to investigate the molecular role of IL-6 plus RT in HBV reactivation. Results HBV reactivation was induced in vivo with IL-6 plus RT (5.58-fold) compared with RT alone (1.31-fold, p = .005), IL-6 alone (1.31-fold, p = .005), or sham treatment (1.22-fold, p = .004). HBV core protein staining confirmed augmentation of intrahepatic HBV replication. IL-6 plus RT-induced HBV DNA replication in HepG2.2.15 cells was suppressed by the STAT3 inhibitor AG490 and by transfection with dominant-negative STAT3 plasmid. Phosphorylated STAT3 staining was strongest in liver tissue from mice treated with IL-6 plus RT. The mobility shift assay demonstrated that reactivation was mediated through the interaction of phosphorylated STAT3/hepatocyte nuclear factor-3 complex with HBV enhancer 1. Conclusion RT to the liver and longer sustained IL-6 induced HBV reactivation through the STAT3 signal transduction pathway.

Purpose Radiotherapy is integrated into the multimodal treatment of localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refractory to conventional treatment. Tumor control remains unsatisfactory and the sublethal effect associates with secondary spread. The use of an effective molecularly targeted agent in combination with radiotherapy is a potential therapeutic approach. Our aim was to assess the effect of combining a phenylbutyrate-derived histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, AR-42, with radiotherapy in in vitro and in vivo models of human HCC. Methods and Materials Human HCC cell lines (Huh-7 and PLC-5) were used to evaluate the in vitro synergism of combining AR-42 with irradiation. Flow cytometry analyzed the cell cycle changes, whereas Western blot investigated the protein expressions after the combined treatment. Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice bearing ectopic and orthotopic HCC xenografts were treated with AR-42 and/or radiotherapy for the in vivo response. Results AR-42 significantly enhanced radiation-induced cell death by the inhibition of the DNA end-binding activity of Ku70, a highly versatile regulatory protein for DNA repair, telomere maintenance, and apoptosis. In ectopic xenografts of Huh-7 and PLC-5, pretreatment with AR-42 significantly enhanced the tumor-suppressive effect of radiotherapy by 48% and 66%, respectively. A similar combinatorial effect of AR-42 (10 and 25 mg/kg) and radiotherapy was observed in Huh-7 orthotopic model of tumor growth by 52% and 82%, respectively. This tumor suppression was associated with inhibition of intratumoral Ku70 activity as well as reductions in markers of HDAC activity and proliferation, and increased apoptosis. Conclusion AR-42 is a potent, orally bioavailable inhibitor of HDAC with therapeutic value as a radiosensitizer of HCC.

Y. Chen, S. L. Pan, J. C. Wang, C. H. Chou, S. H. Kuo, J. C. H. Cheng, C. M. Teng Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Pharmacological Institute, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan

Purpose/Objective: Metastasis has been the lethal factor in cancer patients. YC-1, 3-(5 -hydroxymethyl-2 -furyl)-1-benzylindazole, an agent developed for circulatory disorders by inhibiting platelet aggregation and vascular contraction, was found to inhibit hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) activity. HIF-1 is a stress protein during radiation and modulates genes associated with cancer invasion and metastasis. With HIF-1 as a molecular target of YC-1, we try to clarify the therapeutic effect and mechanism of YC-1 on radiation induced cancer metastasis.