Oxidative stress and cell damage in a model of precancerous lesions and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Natural bioactive compounds and STAT3 against hepatocellular carcinoma: An update

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging and very fatal liver cancer. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is a crucial regulator of tumor development and are ubiquitously active in HCC. Therefore, targeting STAT3 has emerged as a promising approach for preventing and treating HCC. Various natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have been proven to target STAT3 and have the potential to prevent and treat HCC as STAT3 inhibitors. Numerous kinds of STAT3 inhibitors have been identified, including small molecule inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, and oligonucleotide inhibitors. Due to the undesirable side effects of the conventional therapeutic drugs against HCC, the focus is shifted to NBCs derived from plants and other natural sources. NBCs can be broadly classified into the categories of terpenes, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenols. Most of the compounds belong to the family of terpenes, which prevent tumorigenesis by inhibiting STAT3 nuclear translocation. Further, through STAT3 inhibition, terpenes downregulate matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), modulating metastasis. Terpenes also suppress the anti-apoptotic proteins and cell cycle markers. This review provides comprehensive information related to STAT3 abrogation by NBCs in HCC with in vitro and in vivo evidences.

Simvastatin Induces Apoptosis And Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induced In Rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent primary aggressive cancer, a crucial cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Simvastatin is a well-known safe cholesterol-lowering medication that has been recently shown to suppress cancer progression. Apoptosis is a well-organized and controlled cellular process that happens both physiologically and pathologically leading to executing cell death. Apoptosis is frequently downregulated in cancer cells. In the present study, we aimed to test the effect of simvastatin on HCC progression. HCC was induced in experimental rats by means of diethylnitrose amine (DEN) and thioacetamide (TAA) injections. Gross examination and liver index along with biochemical analysis of hepatic function were evaluated. Serum alpha-feto protein (AFP) concentration was measured by ELISA. Histopathological examination was used for assessing necroinflammatory scores and fibrosis degree. Apoptosis was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Simvastatin was found to induce apoptosis successfully in HCC and improve liver fibrosis, overall hepatic function, and necroinflammatory score. Simvastatin, therefore, may be a potential adjunctive therapeutic option in clinical settings of treating HCC.

Calotropis gigantea stem bark extracts inhibit liver cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine

Several fractions of Calotropis gigantea extracts have been proposed to have potential anticancer activity in many cancer models. The present study evaluated the anticancer activity of C. gigantea stem bark extracts in liver cancer HepG2 cells and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced primary liver cancer in rats. The carcinogenesis model induced by DEN administration has been widely used to study pathophysiological features and responses in rats that are comparable to those seen in cancer patients. The dichloromethane (CGDCM), ethyl acetate, and water fractions obtained from partitioning crude ethanolic extract were quantitatively analyzed for several groups of secondary metabolites and calactin contents. A combination of C. gigantea stem bark extracts with doxorubicin (DOX) was assessed in this study to demonstrate the enhanced cytotoxic effect to cancer compared to the single administration. The combination of DOX and CGDCM, which had the most potential cytotoxic effect in HepG2 cells when compared to the other three fractions, significantly increased cytotoxicity through the apoptotic effect with increased caspase-3 expression. This combination treatment also reduced ATP levels, implying a correlation between ATP and apoptosis induction. In a rat model of DEN-induced liver cancer, treatment with DOX, C. gigantea at low (CGDCM-L) and high (CGDCM-H) doses, and DOX + CGDCM-H for 4 weeks decreased the progression of liver cancer by lowering the liver weight/body weight ratio and the occurrence of liver hyperplastic nodules, fibrosis, and proliferative cells. The therapeutic applications lowered TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, and α-SMA inflammatory cytokines in a similar way, implying that CGDCM had a curative effect against the inflammation-induced liver carcinogenesis produced by DEN exposure. Furthermore, CGDCM and DOX therapy decreased ATP and fatty acid synthesis in rat liver cancer, which was correlated with apoptosis inhibition. CGDCM reduced cleaved caspase-3 expression in liver cancer rats when used alone or in combination with DOX, implying that apoptosis-inducing hepatic carcinogenesis was suppressed. Our results also verified the low toxicity of CGDCM injection on the internal organs of rats. Thus, this research clearly demonstrated a promising, novel anticancer approach that could be applied in future clinical studies of CGDCM and combination therapy.

AKT-AMPKα-mTOR-dependent HIF-1α Activation is a New Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment: A Novel Approach to Repositioning the Antidiabetic Drug Sitagliptin for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

HIF-1α is a key factor promoting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As well, AKT-AMPKα-mTOR signaling is a promising target for cancer therapy. Yet, the AKT-AMPKα-mTOR-dependent activation of HIF-1α has not been studied in livers with HCC. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the potential antineoplastic effects of sitagliptin (STGPT), an antidiabetic agent, have not yet been elucidated. For that purpose, the N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced HCC mouse model was used in the present study using a dose of 100 mg/kg/week, i.p., for 8 weeks. NDEA-induced HCC mice received STGPT 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg starting on day 61 up to day 120. The present study revealed that STGPT inhibited HIF-1α activation via the interference with the AKT-AMPKα-mTOR axis and the interruption of IKKβ, P38α, and ERK1/2 signals as well. Accordingly, STGPT prolonged the survival, restored the histological features and improved liver function. Additionally, STGPT inhibited angiogenesis, as revealed by a significant downregulation in the VEGF and mRNA expression of CD309 with concomitant inhibition of tissue invasion was evident by an increased ratio of TIMP-1/MMP-2. STGPT exhibited apoptotic stimulatory effect as indicated upon calculating the BCL-2/Bax ratio and by the gene expression of p53. The decrease in AFP and liver index calculation, gene expression of Ki-67 confirmed the antiproliferative activity of STGPT. The anti-inflammatory potential was revealed by the decreased TNF-α level and the downregulation of MCP-1 gene expression. Moreover, an antifibrotic potential was supported by lower levels of TGF-β. These effects appear to be GLP1R-independent. The present study provides a potential basis for repurposing STGPT for the inhibition of HCC progression. Since STGPT is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia, it may be promising as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy to treat diabetic or even normoglycemic patients with HCC.

Ameliorative potential of manganese nanoparticles with low-level ionizing radiation against experimentally induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Nanotechnology is a rich field with infinite possibilities of drug designs for cancer treatment. We aimed to biosynthesize manganese nanoparticles (Mn NPs) using Lactobacillus helveticus to investigate its anticancer synergistic effect with low-dose gamma radiation on HCC-induced rats. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (20 mg/kg BW, 5 times a week for 6 weeks) induced HCC in rats. Rats received Mn NPs (5 mg/kg BW/day) by gastric gavage over 4 weeks concomitant with single dose of gamma radiation (γ-R) (0.25 Gy). Characterization, cytotoxicity, and anticancer activity of Mn NPs were evaluated. DEN-induced significant liver dysfunction (alanine transaminase activity ALT, total proteins, and albumin levels) associated with significant increase in lipid peroxidation levels with reduction in super oxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, DEN intoxication is sponsored for remarkable increase in levels of Alfa-fetoprotein, tumor necrosis factor α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta with remarkable decrease in caspase 3 and cytochrome c. Treatment with Mn NPs (4.98-11.58 nm) and single dose gamma radiation evoked significant repair in ALT, total protein, and albumin accompanied with balanced oxidative status, diminished inflammatory biomarkers, angiogenic factor, and growth factor with restoration in apoptotic factors. Mn NPs revealed obvious in vitro cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings were well appreciated with the histopathological study. In conclusion, a new approach of the single or combined use of Mn NPs with low-dose γ-radiation regimens as promising paradigm for HCC treatment is recommended.

Design and Optimization of Orally Administered Luteolin Nanoethosomes to Enhance Its Anti-Tumor Activity against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Luteolin (LUT) is a natural flavonoid with low oral bioavailability with restricted clinical applications due to its low solubility. LUT shows significant anti-tumor activity in many cancer cells, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The most recent trend in pharmaceutical innovations is the application of phospholipid vesicles to improve the solubility of such hydrophobic drugs. Ethosomes are one of the most powerful phospholipid vesicles used to achieve that that target. In this study, LUT-loaded ethosomal nanoparticles (LUT-ENPs) were prepared by the cold method. Full factorial design and response surface methodology were used to analyze and optimize the selected formulation variables. Drug entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, zeta potential, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and cumulative percent drug released was estimated. The selected LUT-ENPs were subjected to further investigations as estimation of hepatic gene expression levels of GPC3, liver biomarkers, and oxidative stress biomarkers. The prepared LUT-ENPs were semi-spherical in shape with high entrapment efficiency. The prepared LUT-ENPs have a small particle size with high zeta potential values. The in vitro liver biomarkers assay revealed a significant decrease in the hepatic tissue nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and the expression of the GPC3 gene. Results showed a high increase in the hepatic tissue levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Histopathological examination showed a small number of hepatic adenomas and a significant decrease of neoplastic hepatic lesions after treatment with LUT-ENPs. Our results firmly suggest the distinctive anti-proliferative activity of LUT-ENPs as an oral drug delivery system for the treatment of HCC.

Melatonin as an Antitumor Agent against Liver Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine with antioxidant, chronobiotic and anti-inflammatory properties; reduced levels of this hormone are associated with higher risk of cancer. Several beneficial effects of melatonin have been described in a broad number of tumors, including liver cancers. In this work we systematically reviewed the publications of the last 15 years that assessed the underlying mechanisms of melatonin activities against liver cancers, and its role as coadjuvant in the treatment of these tumors. Literature research was performed employing PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases and, after screening, 51 articles were included. Results from the selected studies denoted the useful actions of melatonin in preventing carcinogenesis and as a promising treatment option for the primary liver tumors hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), either alone or in combination with other compounds. Different processes were modulated by the indole, such as inhibition of oxidative stress, proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion, promotion of immune system response, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as recovery of circadian rhythms and autophagy modulation. Taken together, the present systematic review highlights the evidence that document the potential role of melatonin in improving the landscape of liver tumor treatment.

Amelioration of oxidative stress, inflammation and liver function by nutraceuticals in rat model of hepatic cancer initiation induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine

Introduction: Nutraceuticals might serve as protective agent against liver cancer induced by pro-cancerous chemicals that initiate high oxidative stress, inflammation and affect DNA integrity. The aim of the present research was to study the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma initiation induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) through treatment by nutraceuticals. Methods: Two nutraceuticals were prepared; the first (NI) was a mixture of different extracts of green tea, wheat germ and tomato, the second one (NII) was composed of extracts mixture of broccoli, hazelnuts and carrot. Total flavonoids and flavonols were determined in the nutraceuticals. Four groups of rats were run; the first served as control normal, the other three groups were treated by intraperitoneal injection of NDEA, one of these groups was designated as control NDEA, the other two groups (test groups) were treated daily with oral doses of NI and NII, respectively. The experiment continued for 8 weeks. Plasma transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and catalase activities, total protein, albumin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) along with liver MDA level and catalase activity were assessed. Results: NI showed higher flavonoids and lower flavonols than NII (P < 0.05). High oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers, liver dysfunction, reduced plasma albumin and total protein were demonstrated in control NDEA compared to control normal (P < 0.05). Test groups showed significant improvement in all parameters (P < 0.05) compared to NDEA control. NI was superior in improving plasma transaminases and catalase activities, MDA and TNF-α levels and liver catalase activity compared to NII (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both NI and NII might prevent liver cancer initiation during exposure to carcinogenic agents, NI being superior to NII.

Nimbolide inhibits tumor growth by restoring hepatic tight junction protein expression and reduced inflammation in an experimental hepatocarcinogenesis

BACKGROUND

Altered tight junction (TJ) proteins are correlated with carcinogenesis and tumor development. Nimbolide is a tetranotriterpenoid that has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties; however, its anticancer effects and molecular mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains obscure.

AIM

To investigate the effect of nimbolide on TJ proteins, cell cycle progression, and hepatic inflammation in a mouse model of HCC.

METHODS

HCC was induced in male Swiss albino mice (CD-1 strain) by a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg diethylnitrosamine (DEN) followed by 80 ppm N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) in drinking water for 28 wk. After 28 wk, nimbolide (6 mg/kg) was given orally for four consecutive weeks in DEN/NMOR induced HCC mice. At the end of the 32^nd week, all the mice were sacrificed and blood and liver samples were collected for various analyses. Macroscopic examinations of hepatic nodules were assessed. Liver histology and HCC tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and glypican-3 were measured. Expression of TJ proteins, cell proliferation, and cell cycle markers, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. In silico analysis was performed to confirm the binding and modulatory effect of nimbolide on zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).

RESULTS

We found nimbolide treatment at a concentration of 6 mg/kg to HCC mice reduced hepatic tumor size by 52.08% and tumor volume (P < 0.01), and delayed tumor growth in HCC mice with a concomitant reduction in tumor markers such as AFP levels (P < 0.01) and glypican-3 expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, nimbolide treatment increased tight junction proteins such as ZO-1 and occludin expression (P < 0.05, respectively) and reduced ZO-1 associated nucleic acid binding protein expression (P < 0.001) in HCC mice liver. Nimbolide treatment to HCC mice also inhibited cell proliferation and suppressed cell cycle progression by attenuating proliferating cell nuclear antigen (P < 0.01), cyclin dependent kinase (P < 0.05), and CyclinD1 (P < 0.05) expression. In addition, nimbolide treatment to HCC mice ameliorated hepatic inflammation by reducing NF-κB, interleukin 1 beta and TNF-α expression (P < 0.05, respectively) and abrogated oxidative stress by attenuating 4-hydroxynonenal expression (P < 0.01). Molecular docking studies further confirmed that nimbolide interacts with ZO-1, NF-κB, and TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

Our current study showed for the first time that nimbolide exhibits anticancer effect by reducing tumor size, tumor burden and by suppressing cell cycle progression in HCC mice. Furthermore, nimbolide treatment to HCC mice ameliorated inflammation and oxidative stress, and improved TJ proteins expression. Consequently, nimbolide could be potentially used as a natural therapeutic agent for HCC treatment, however further human studies are warranted.

The hepatoprotective effect of Cheral as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation on mice (Mus musculus) with breast cancer

Introduction: Recent studies have reported that breast cancer may affect the physiology of other organs, including oxidative stress in the liver. On the other hand, some agents such as white turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri) seem to maintain redox stability and immunomodulation. Both of them are combined into Cheral potion. This study was aimed to investigate the Cheral efficacy in modulating oxidative stress based on Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), HEME OXIGenase (HO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines under breast cancer condition in vivo. Methods: Nrf2, HO, and SOD from hepatocytes, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) from splenocytes were measured by flow cytometry after 14 days of Cheral administration. Results: The results showed that mice model for breast cancer underwent oxidative stress denoted by high levels of HO, and SOD accompanied by increased levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the cancer group compared to normal healthy group (P<0.05). In contrast, Cheral treatment was able to modulate redox balance by declining levels of HO, SOD, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, but not Nrf2, compared to cancer group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that breast cancer could alter the host’s physiology, including liver oxidative stress. The levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ might contribute to regulation of redox balance in the liver. However, Cheral has potency as an alternative therapeutic agent to reduce oxidative stress in the liver under breast cancer condition.

Dunaliella salina microalgae oppose thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

Several hepatic pathological conditions are correlated with the stimulation of hepatic stellate cells. This induces a cascade of events producing accretion of extracellular matrix components triggering fibrosis. Dunaliella salina, rich in carotenoids, was investigated for its potential antagonizing activity; functionally and structurally against thioacetamide (TAA) - induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Adult male albino Wistar rats were treated with three dose levels of D. salina powder or extract (daily, p.o.); for 6 weeks, concomitantly with TAA injection. Serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and albumin were determined. Reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), smooth muscle actin alpha (α-SMA) and collagen I hepatic contents were also estimated. Treatment with D. salina powder or extract caused a significant decline in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, MDA and hepatic contents of α-SMA and collagen I. Additionally, serum albumin and GSH hepatic content were highly elevated. Liver histopathological examination also indicated that D. salina reduced fibrosis, centrilobular necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration evoked by TAA. The results implied that D. salina exerts protective action against TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. The phytochemical investigation revealed high total carotenoid content prominently β-carotene (15.2 % of the algal extract) as well as unsaturated fatty acids as alpha-linolenic acid which accounts for the hepatoprotective activity.

Effect of co-administration of Bee honey and some chemotherapeutic drugs on dissemination of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Alternative and complimentary usage of the natural compound has raised hopes of finding curative options for liver hepatocarcinogenesis. In the present study, the curative effect of bee honey against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (50 mg/kg) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (2 mg/Kg)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in male rats in the presence or absence of some chemotherapeutic drugs, Cisplatin (Cis), Cyclophosphamide (CY) and 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) were investigated. The obtained results demonstrated that treatment with DEN/CCl4 caused oxidative stress as assigned by the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and fall in glutathione (GSH) content. Meantime detraction in the antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was observed. Also, the results showed induction of inflammation as reflected by an increase in the levels of both α- fetoprotein and α- fucosidase in the liver. This was accompanied by changes in the hepatic function biomarkers which characterized by the increased levels of transaminases (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-Glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and decrease in total protein content in the serum. In conclusion, the combination of the selected drugs and bee honey may be an effective chemo- preventive and therapeutic strategy for treating DEN and CCl4-induced HCC.

Troxerutin subdues hepatic tumorigenesis via disrupting the MDM2-p53 interaction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide that lacks proper medical prognosis and treatment. In the present study, the anti-tumoral potential of troxerutin (TX), an ethnomedicine, was examined in relation to its effects on the promoter 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) in N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) initiated HCC, as compared to its effects on HCC induced by NDEA alone. Liver samples from each experimental group were collected and evaluated for histological, biochemical and cellular characterization. The protein expressions of apoptotic and cell proliferation markers were determined via immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Molecular docking was also performed to delineate the inhibitory mechanism of TX on HCC. The results show that only higher doses of TX showed a significant reduction in the incidence of hepatic nodule formation, and they also counteracted NDEA plus 2-AAF induced alterations in the enzymic status. The frequencies of glutathione-S-transferase and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, markers of S phase progression, were markedly reduced during TX treatment. TX also modulated the imbalance in the MDM2-p53 interaction. The molecular docking results confirmed the interaction of TX with the upstream kinases that regulate apoptosis. This study provides evidence that a copious dose of TX is required to counteract the differential mitoinhibitory effect of 2-AAF in NDEA initiated hepatomas, and TX exhibits an anti-tumoral effect via suppressing oxidative stress, regulating liver function enzymes, inhibiting inflammatory responses and modulating MDM2-p53 interactions, thus inducing apoptosis, and thereby suggesting that TX may provide promising therapeutic effects for the chemoprevention of HCC.

Correlation between CT features and liver function and p53 expression in hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between CT features and liver function and p53 expression in hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Forty patients with HCC, 30 patients with cirrhosis and 30 patients with chronic hepatitis were enrolled between December, 2015 and December, 2016. At the same time, normal liver tissues collected from 30 patients with hepatic hemangioma were used as the normal control group. All the patients were scanned by CT. Average body surface area, left outer lobe and caudate lobe volume, and the proportions of left outer lobe and caudate lobe to the whole liver were calculated. Biochemical indexes of liver function were determined. The pathological tissues of all the subjects were analyzed. Compared with the control group, total liver volume of the HCC group was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the HCC group, the volume of the left outer lobe increased in the hepatitis group and the cirrhosis group. Compared with control group, caudate lobe volume increased significantly in the hepatitis group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the volume of the left outer lobe and the proportion of caudate lobe to the whole liver volume was significantly increased in all three groups (P<0.05). Liver function-related indicators in the HCC and cirrhosis groups were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.05). The expression level of p53 in HCC was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The accuracy of diagnosis by using both p53 and CT was higher than the use of p53 or CT alone. CT can accurately measure the volume of each lobe of the liver, and p53 has important clinical values in the diagnosis of liver diseases. Thus, the reasonable combination of the two can effectively improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Antifibrogenic effect of melatonin in rats with experimental liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride

Background and Aim

Liver diseases are a major public health problem, accounting for a significant number of hospital visits and admissions and an increasing mortality rate. Melatonin (MLT) is a powerful antioxidant molecule that has been shown to be beneficial under various conditions. The objective was to evaluate the effect of MLT on experimental liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats.

Methods

Twenty male Wistar rats (230–250 g) were divided into four groups. I: control group (CO); II: CO + MLT; III: CCl₄; and IV: CCl₄ + MLT. CCl₄ was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) as follows: 10 doses every 5 days, 10 doses every 4 days, and 7 doses every 3 days. MLT was administered i.p. at a dose of 20 mg/kg from the 10th week to the end of the experiment (16th week).

Results

In the CCl₄ + MLT group, we found that MLT caused a decrease in the level of F2‐isoprostanes and NQO1 expression. We also found that MLT reduced the inflammatory process as shown by decreased expressions of NF‐KB/p65 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and a smaller amount of inflammatory infiltrate. MLT reduced the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF‐β1), alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Picrosirius staining showed that MLT decreases fibrosis.

Conclusion

MLT has a potent antifibrogenic effect, modulating the parameters of oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and inflammation.

Chemotherapeutic-Induced Cardiovascular Dysfunction: Physiological Effects, Early Detection-The Role of Telomerase to Counteract Mitochondrial Defects and Oxidative Stress

Although chemotherapeutics can be highly effective at targeting malignancies, their ability to trigger cardiovascular morbidity is clinically significant. Chemotherapy can adversely affect cardiovascular physiology, resulting in the development of cardiomyopathy, heart failure and microvascular defects. Specifically, anthracyclines are known to cause an excessive buildup of free radical species and mitochondrial DNA damage (_mtDNA) that can lead to oxidative stress-induced cardiovascular apoptosis. Therefore, oncologists and cardiologists maintain a network of communication when dealing with patients during treatment in order to treat and prevent chemotherapy-induced cardiovascular damage; however, there is a need to discover more accurate biomarkers and therapeutics to combat and predict the onset of cardiovascular side effects. Telomerase, originally discovered to promote cellular proliferation, has recently emerged as a potential mechanism to counteract mitochondrial defects and restore healthy mitochondrial vascular phenotypes. This review details mechanisms currently used to assess cardiovascular damage, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and troponin levels, while also unearthing recently researched biomarkers, including circulating _mtDNA, telomere length and telomerase activity. Further, we explore a potential role of telomerase in the mitigation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and maintenance of _mtDNA integrity. Telomerase activity presents a promising indicator for the early detection and treatment of chemotherapy-derived cardiac damage.

Farnesiferol C induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis mediated by oxidative stress in MCF-7 cell line

Farnesiferol C is one of the major compounds, isolated from Ferula asafoetida (a type of coumarins) and used for cancer treatment as a folk remedy. Treatment of many cancers depends on oxidative stress situation. In this study, we sought the hypothesis that oxidative stress induced by Farnesiferol C contribute to anticancer property and induce apoptosis in MCF-7, human breast cancer cell line. We investigated the effect of Farnesiferol C on oxidative stress by measurement of some enzymes activity including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as some parameters such as total thiol and ROS levels. Also we evaluated Farnesiferol C effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis induction by using flow cytometry analysis. Our findings demonstrated that Farnesiferol C significantly induced apoptosis mediated by increasing in the cellular ROS levels. This compound increased cellular SOD and CAT activities in 24 and 48 h and reduced activity of these enzymes after 72 h exposure. Furthermore, MDA and total thiol levels were increased and decreased, respectively in the cells treated with Farnesiferol C after 24-72 h. G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest followed by induction of apoptosis was also observed in MCF-7 cells after treatment with Farnesiferol C. According to these data, Farnesiferol C has a therapeutic effect on MCF-7 cells and can be suitable candidate for breast cancer treatment; however it is necessary for further experiments.

Ductular reaction, cytokeratin 7 positivity, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in multistage hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and is characterized by multistage formation. The presence of ductular reaction, cytokeratin 7 positivity (PCK7), and increased levels of gamma glutamyltransferase (γGT) has been observed during liver carcinogenesis and contribute to tumor progression. Our goal was to evaluate the ductular reaction in multistage carcinogenesis and to correlate PCK7 and γGT levels with tumor incidence, histological characteristics, liver DNA damage index, and the expression of oxidative stress proteins. HCC was induced in 24 male Wistar rats weighing 145-150 g by chronic and intermittent exposure to 50 or 100 mg/kg diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Six control animals received only vehicle. Blood was collected to determine hepatic enzyme levels. Animals were divided into three groups: control (CO), precancerous lesions (PL), and advanced HCC. Liver samples were obtained for immunohistochemical analyses and the measurement of protein expression. Statistical analyses included Tukey's test and Pearson's correlation analyses. We observed an extensive ductular reaction in advanced HCC and a strong correlation between PCK7 and levels of γGT and the poor prognosis and aggressiveness of HCC. The extent of PCK7 and high γGT levels were associated with overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heat shock factor protein 1 (HSF-1). However, PCK7 and γGT levels were negatively correlated with protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and inducible heat shock protein 70 (iHSP70). These findings suggest that ductular reaction is involved in the progression of multistage hepatocarcinogenesis.

Melatonin Activates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Rats with Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human cancers worldwide because of its high incidence, its metastatic potential and the low efficacy of conventional treatment. Inactivation of apoptosis is implicated in tumour progression and chemotherapy resistance, and has been linked to the presence of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Melatonin, the main product of the pineal gland, exerts anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effects in HCC cells, but these effects still need to be confirmed in animal models. Male Wistar rats in treatment groups received diethylnitrosamine (DEN) 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice/once a week for 18 weeks. Melatonin was given in drinking water at 1 mg/kg/d, beginning 5 or 12 weeks after the start of DEN administration. Melatonin improved survival rates and successfully attenuated liver injury, as shown by histopathology, decreased levels of serum transaminases and reduced expression of placental glutathione S-transferase. Furthermore, melatonin treatment resulted in a significant increase of caspase 3, 8 and 9 activities, polyadenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and Bcl-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 ratio. Cytochrome c, p53 and Fas-L protein concentration were also significantly enhanced by melatonin. Melatonin induced an increased expression of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and immunoglobulin heavy chain-binding protein (BiP), while cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression decreased. Data obtained suggest that induction of apoptosis and ER stress contribute to the beneficial effects of melatonin in rats with DEN-induced HCC.