Adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of apolipoprotein (a) kringles suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth in mice

Hepatology. 2006 May;43(5):1063-73. doi: 10.1002/hep.21149.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes more than 90% of all primary liver cancers. HCC is a hypervascular tumor that develops from dedifferentiation of small avascular HCC and is therefore a good target for anti-angiogenic gene therapy. Recent studies have identified apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] kringles LK68 and LK8 (LKs) as having a potential antiangiogenic and anti-tumor activity, and the current study evaluates the therapeutic potential of gene therapy with recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying genes encoding LKs (rAAV-LK) in the treatment of hypervascular HCC. We generated rAAV-LK to obtain persistent transgene expression in vivo, which is essential for anti-angiogenic therapy. The rAAV-produced LKs substantially inhibited proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, validating their anti-angiogenic potential. Intramuscular administration of rAAV-LK gave 60% to 84% suppression (P < .05) of tumor growth in mice bearing subcutaneously transplanted HCC derived from Huh-7 and Hep3B cells, respectively. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses of HCC tumor sections showed that a single administration of rAAV-LK gave rise to persistent expression of LKs that inhibited tumor angiogenesis and triggered tumor apoptosis, and, thus, significantly suppressed tumor growth. The administration of rAAV-LK provided a significant survival benefit (P < .05), and 3 of 10 rAAV-LK-treated mice were still alive without visible tumors and without clinical symptoms 188 days after treatment. In conclusion, rAAV-LK is a potential candidate for anti-angiogenic gene therapy in the treatment of HCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins A / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / therapy*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Dependovirus
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Kringles*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins A