Herbal Compound Songyou Yin and Moderate Swimming Suppress Growth and Metastasis of Liver Cancer by Enhancing Immune Function

In Vitro evaluation of the anti-pancreatic cancer activity of epimedium herb

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a particularly aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options. The search for innovative treatments has focused on traditional Chinese medicine, specifically epimedium. This research investigates epimedium's active ingredients, potential targets, and underlying mechanisms in treating PC. Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the active components of epimedium and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed for qualitative identification. Potential targets of epimedium's active ingredients were identified using the TCMSP, ETCM, CTD, and Swiss Target Prediction databases. Potential PC-related targets were sourced from DisGeNET, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. A Venn diagram was utilized to identify overlapping PC-related and epimedium targets. Core targets and pathways were elucidated through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) assessments, and Reactome pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking techniques investigated interactions between active compounds and these targets. The expression and prognostic implications of target genes were evaluated using GEPIA2 and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. In vitro studies assessed the impact of epimedium extract (EPE) on Panc-1 cell viability, and Western blot analysis examined the expression levels of key targets. Results: Network pharmacological indicate that epimedium econtains active components such as baohuoside I, icariin, hyperoside, and epimedin B, which have potential therapeutic effects against PC. In vitro assays confirmed that EPE significantly reduced the viability of Panc-1 cells. Western blot analysis revealed a considerable decrease in the expression of key targets in EPE-treated cells, including AKT1, EGFR, p-EGFR, JUN, BCL2, IL6, and SRC. The R-HSA-1280215: Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 signaling pathways involving these genes were identified as potential therapeutic targets. Discussion: Epimedium holds promise as a candidate for treating PC. The modulation of interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signaling pathways could be a pivotal mechanism by which epimedium impedes tumor development. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the clinical applicability of epimedium in PC treatment.

Swimming training and herbal nanoformulations as natural remedies to improve sensory-motor impairment in rat midbrain tumor models: system biology, behavioral test, and experimental validation

Motor impairment worsens health-related quality of life in patients with primary and metastatic midbrain tumors. Here, 56-male-Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: Normal group, Midbrain Tomur Model group, Model + Exe group, Model + Lipo, Model + Extract, Model + Lipo-Extract, Model + Extract-Exe, Model + Lipo-Extract + Exe. According to the aim, mid-brain tumor models were conducted by injections of the C6 glioma cell line (5 × 105 cell suspension) and stereotaxic techniques in the substantia nigra area. Furthermore, consumption of nanoformulation of herbals extract (100 mg/kg/day), crude extract (100 mg/kg/day), and swimming training (30 min, 3 days/week) as interventional protocols were performed for 6 weeks. In addition, we evaluated the effect of polyherbal nanoliposomes containing four plant extracts and swimming training on the GABArα1/TRKB/DRD2/DRD1a/TH network in the substantia nigra of the midbrain tumor rat model. Data emphasized that DRD2 might be a druggable protein with the network's highest significance cut-point effect that could modulate sensory-motor impairment. Furthermore, we found Quercetin, Ginsenosides, Curcumin, and Rutin, as bioactive compounds present in Ginseng, Matthiola incana, Turmeric, and Green-Tea extracts, could bind over the DRD2 protein with approved binding affinity scores. Based on our data, swimming training, and nanoliposome-enriched combined supplements could consider effective complementary medicine for motor impairment recovery induced by the midbrain tumor in the substantia nigra area. Hence, regular swimming training and natural medicines rich in polyphenolic bioactive components and antioxidative effects could modify and improve the dopamine receptors' function.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03574-3.

Comparison of three exercise interventions with and without gemcitabine treatment on pancreatic tumor growth in mice: No impact on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes

Exercise has been shown to slow pancreatic tumor growth, but whether exercise interventions of differing volume or intensity yield differential effects on tumor outcomes is unknown. In this study, we compared three exercise training interventions implemented with and without chemotherapy on pancreatic tumor growth in mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were subcutaneously inoculated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor cells (PDAC 4662). Upon tumor detection, mice received gemcitabine 15 mg/kg intraperitoneally 3 days/week and were assigned to exercise: high volume continuous exercise (HVCE), low volume continuous exercise (LVCE), high intensity interval training (HIIT), or sedentary (SED). HVCE ran at 12 m/min for 45 min and LVCE for 15 min, 5 days/week. HIIT ran 1-min at 20 m/min, followed by 1-min walking at 8 m/min for 20 total intervals, 3 days/week. SED did not run. Additional sets of inoculated mice were assigned to the exercise interventions but did not receive gemcitabine. Tumor volume was measured every other day for 2 weeks; tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were assessed by flow cytometry 3-week post-inoculation. Results: Tumor growth did not differ between groups that received gemcitabine (F(3, 34) = 1.487; p = 0.235; η2 = 0.116). In contrast, tumor growth differed between groups not provided gemcitabine (F(3,14) = 3.364; p = 0.049, η2 = 0.419), with trends for slower growth in LVCE than SED (p = 0.088) and HIIT (p = 0.084). Groups did not differ in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Conclusion: Contrary to our hypotheses, the exercise interventions compared here did not further reduce pancreatic tumor growth beyond that provided by gemcitabine. However, in mice not receiving gemcitabine, there was a trend for reduced tumor growth in LVCE.

Physical activity prevents tumor metastasis through modulation of immune function

Metastasis is responsible for 90% of deaths in cancer patients. Most patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer will die within 5 years. PA is good for health and has become an emerging adjuvant therapy for cancer survivors. Regular moderate exercise substantially lowers the incidence and recurrence of several cancers, alleviates cancer-related adverse events, enhances the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments, and improves the quality of life of cancer patients. Revealing the mechanisms of PA inhibiting tumor metastasis could upgrade our understanding of cancer biology and help researchers explore new therapeutic strategies to improve survival in cancer patients. However, it remains poorly understood how physical activity prevents metastasis by modulating tumor behavior. The immune system is involved in each step of tumor metastasis. From invasion to colonization, immune cells interact with tumor cells to secret cytokines and proteases to remodel the tumor microenvironment. Substantial studies demonstrated the ability of physical activity to induce antitumor effects of immune cells. This provides the possibility that physical activity can modulate immune cells behavior to attenuate tumor metastasis. The purpose of this review is to discuss and summarize the critical link between immune function and exercise in metastasis prevention.

Leukocyte modulation by natural products from herbal medicines and potential as cancer immunotherapy

Cancer constitutes a kind of life-threatening disease that is prevalent throughout the world. In light of limitations in conventional chemotherapies or radiotherapies, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a potent strategy in treating cancer. In cancer immunotherapy, preliminary studies have demonstrated that cancer immune surveillance serves a crucial role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Herbal medicines and natural products, which serve as alternative medicines, are involved in the modulation of tumor immunosurveillance to enhance antitumor activity. Accordingly, this review aimed to summarize the modulation function of herbal medicines and natural products on tumor immunosurveillance while providing scientific insight into further research on its molecular mechanism and potential clinical applications.

Reframing How Physical Activity Reduces The Incidence of Clinically-Diagnosed Cancers: Appraising Exercise-Induced Immuno-Modulation As An Integral Mechanism

Undertaking a high volume of physical activity is associated with reduced risk of a broad range of clinically diagnosed cancers. These findings, which imply that physical activity induces physiological changes that avert or suppress neoplastic activity, are supported by preclinical intervention studies in rodents demonstrating that structured regular exercise commonly represses tumour growth. In Part 1 of this review, we summarise epidemiology and preclinical evidence linking physical activity or regular structured exercise with reduced cancer risk or tumour growth. Despite abundant evidence that physical activity commonly exerts anti-cancer effects, the mechanism(s)-of-action responsible for these beneficial outcomes is undefined and remains subject to ongoing speculation. In Part 2, we outline why altered immune regulation from physical activity - specifically to T cells - is likely an integral mechanism. We do this by first explaining how physical activity appears to modulate the cancer immunoediting process. In doing so, we highlight that augmented elimination of immunogenic cancer cells predominantly leads to the containment of cancers in a 'precancerous' or 'covert' equilibrium state, thus reducing the incidence of clinically diagnosed cancers among physically active individuals. In seeking to understand how physical activity might augment T cell function to avert cancer outgrowth, in Part 3 we appraise how physical activity affects the determinants of a successful T cell response against immunogenic cancer cells. Using the cancer immunogram as a basis for this evaluation, we assess the effects of physical activity on: (i) general T cell status in blood, (ii) T cell infiltration to tissues, (iii) presence of immune checkpoints associated with T cell exhaustion and anergy, (iv) presence of inflammatory inhibitors of T cells and (v) presence of metabolic inhibitors of T cells. The extent to which physical activity alters these determinants to reduce the risk of clinically diagnosed cancers - and whether physical activity changes these determinants in an interconnected or unrelated manner - is unresolved. Accordingly, we analyse how physical activity might alter each determinant, and we show how these changes may interconnect to explain how physical activity alters T cell regulation to prevent cancer outgrowth.

Operable hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: gut microbiota profile of patients at different ages

Background

Age was important prognostic factors for operable hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the difference in gut microbiota in patients with operable hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) at different ages ; to investigate the features of the microbiota and its function associated with different ages; to provide a preliminary look at effects of the gut microbiota dimension on prognostic.

Methods

From September 2020 to May 2021, patients with HBV-HCC were able to undergo liver resection and were recruited consecutively and divided into the younger age group (age <45 years) (Y.AG) (n=20), middle age group (age from 45 to 65 years) (M.AG) (n=13) 45–65 years, and older age group (age >65 years) (O.AG) (n=20). The relationships between gut microbiota and different ages were explored using 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. PICRUST2 was used to examine the metagenomic data in PHLF patients. Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U-test were used for the data analysis.

Results

Pairwise comparison between the three groups showed that the α-diversity of Y.AG was significantly higher than that of O.AG (ACE Index, P=0.017; chao1 Index, P=0.031; observed_species Index, P=0.011; and goods_coverage Index, P=0.041). The β-diversity in the 3 groups differed significantly (stress =0.100), while the composition (β-diversity) differed significantly between the Y.AG and the M.AG (stress =0.090), the M.AG and the O.AG (stress =0.095), and the Y.AG and the O.AG (stress =0.099). At the genus level, 7 bacterial genera were significantly enriched in the O.AG compared with the Y.AG, of which Streptococcus, Blautia, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, and Fusicatenibacter represented the major variances in O.AG microbiomes. Eleven genera were significantly increased in the O.AG, of which Prevotella, Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, Ruminiclostridium, and Phascolarctobacterium represented the major variances in the O.AG. The Y.AG and the O.AG were predicted by PICRUSt2 analysis, which found 72 pathways related to differential gut microbiome at the genus level. Redundancy analysis showed that 7 environmental factors were significantly correlated with intestinal microorganisms, especially in the Y.AG compared with the O.AG.

Conclusions

Analysis of gut microbiota characteristics in patients of different ages could ultimately contribute to the development of novel avenues for the treatment of HCC at different ages.

Sesame Extract Promotes Chemopreventive Effect of Hesperidin on Early Phase of Diethylnitrosamine-Initiated Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

The combination of natural products is an alternative approach to achieving chemopreventive potential. Accordingly, citrus hesperidin exhibits numerous biological activities, including anticarcinogenic activities, while the sesamin in sesame exhibits potent anticancer activities and lipid-lowering effects. We investigated the cancer chemopreventive effects of mixed sesame and orange seed extract (MSO) containing hesperidin and sesamin in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats were injected with DEN once a week for 3 weeks to induce hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats were fed with MSO and various compositions that included sesame extract (SE) and hesperidin. The 10-week administration of MSO more effectively inhibited the number and size of hepatic GST-P-positive foci than hesperidin in DEN-initiated rats. MSO and hesperidin decreased the number of PCNA-positive hepatocytes but increased the apoptotic cells in DEN-induced rats. Furthermore, MSO and its constituents suppressed hepatic triglyceride content concurrently along with the expression of fatty acid synthase. Although the 5-week administration of MSO or hesperidin did not alter hepatic, preneoplastic lesion formation in DEN-initiated rats, it alleviated DEN-induced hepatotoxicity. MSO and its applied compositions did not impact upon the cytochrome P450 system. In conclusion, sesame extract promoted the chemopreventive effect of hesperidin on DEN-induced early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. The inhibitory mechanisms are likely involved with the induction of cell apoptosis, suppression of cell proliferation and modulation of hepatic lipogenesis. This study may provide revelations in the development of alternative treatments against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Recent Advances in Anti-Metastatic Approaches of Herbal Medicines in 5 Major Cancers: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Drug Discovery

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related death. Despite its high fatality, a comprehensive study that covers anti-metastasis of herbal medicines has not yet been conducted. The aim of this study is to investigate and assess the anti-metastatic efficacies of herbal medicines in the five major cancers, including lung, colorectal, gastric, liver, and breast cancers. We collected articles published within five years using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science with "cancer metastasis" and "herbal medicine" as keywords. Correspondingly, 16 lung cancer, 23 colorectal cancer, 10 gastric cancer, 10 liver cancer, and 18 breast cancer studies were systematically reviewed. The herbal medicines attenuated metastatic potential targeting various mechanisms such as epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and angiogenesis. Specifically, the drugs regulated metastasis related factors such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), serine-threonine protein kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinase (AKT/ERK), angiogenic factors, and chemokines. Overall, the present study is the first review, comprehensively investigating the anti-metastasis effect of herbal medicines on five major cancers, providing the experimental models, doses and durations, and mechanisms. Herbal medicines could be a potent candidate for anti-metastatic drugs.

Physical exercise effects on metastasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis in animal cancer models

Physical exercise is considered a well-tolerated adjuvant therapy to mitigate cancer-related side effects, but its impact on metastasis is unclear. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on the effects of exercise on metastasis in animal cancer models. A systematic search was conducted to identify controlled studies in animals analyzing the impact of exercise interventions on any marker of metastasis incidence or severity. The pooled mean differences (PMD) were calculated for those endpoints for which a minimum of three studies used the same assessment method. We also calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) of metastases. Twenty-six articles were included in the systematic review, of which 12 could be meta-analyzed. Exercise training in murine cancer models did not significantly modify the number of metastatic foci (PMD = - 3.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 8.32, 1.97; p = 0.23), the weight of metastatic tumors (PMD = - 0.03; 95% CI - 0.10, 0.04; p = 0.41), or the risk of developing metastasis (OR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.10, 4.12; p = 0.64). These findings suggest that exercise has no overall influence on any marker of cancer metastasis incidence or severity in animal models. However, the wide methodological heterogeneity observed between studies might be taken into account and the potential exercise effects on metastasis development remain to be determined in pediatric tumors.

Advances in Molecular Mechanisms for Traditional Chinese Medicine Actions in Regulating Tumor Immune Responses

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been developed for thousands of years with its various biological activities. The interest in TCM in tumor prevention and treatment is rising with its synergistic effect on tumor cells and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIM). Characteristic of TCM fits well within the whole system and multi-target cancer treatment. Herein we discuss the underlying mechanisms of TCM actions in TIM via regulating immunosuppressive cells, including restoring the antigen presentation function of dendritic cells, enhancing NK cells-mediated killing activity, restraining the functions of myeloid cell-derived suppressor cells, and inhibiting cancer-associated fibroblasts. TCM also regulates tumor progression through enhancing immune response, preventing immune escape and inducing cell death of tumor cells, which triggers immune response in nearby cells. In addition, we discuss TCM in clinical applications and the advantages and disadvantages of TCM in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as current therapeutic challenges and strategies. It might be helpful for understanding the therapeutic potential of TCM for cancer in clinic.

Using Traditional Chinese Medicine to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting Tumor Immunity

As the leading cause of cancer-related death, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) threatens human health and limited treatments are available to cure the disease efficiently and effectively. The particularly immunotolerant environment of the liver lowers the efficacy of current therapies in patients with advanced HCC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gathering increasing interest due to the immunoregulatory properties of certain compounds. In advanced HCC, TCM can restore immunosurveillance to promote antitumor effects in several ways, including the upregulation of immunostimulatory factors and the downregulation of immunosuppressive factors. The characteristic multitarget regulation of TCM compounds may provide new insights regarding effective HCC immunotherapies. Here, we review the immunoregulatory potency of TCMs for treating HCC and explain how individual TCM drugs and complex formulas remodel the immune environment in various cell- and cytokine-dependent manners.

Relationship between Methylation of FHIT and CDH13 Gene Promoter Region and Liver Cancer

In order to demonstrate the relationship between methylation of fragile histidine triad (FHIT) and T-cadherin/H-cadherin (CDH13) genes and liver cancer, the methylation status of FHIT and CDH13 was detected in healthy individuals and in Mongolian and Han patients with liver cancer. The phenol-chloroform method was used to extract genomic DNA. The methylation specific polymerase chain reaction method was applied to detect the methylation status of FHIT and CDH13. The relationship between smoking and alcohol consumption and gene (FHIT and CDH13) methylation was analyzed. There was significant difference in methylation rate of FHIT (72.67%, 34.67%) and CDH13 (72.0%, 28.0%) between liver cancer patients and healthy individuals of Mongolian descent (P<0.05), as well as that of FHIT (68%, 30.67%) and CDH13 (64%, 26%) between liver cancer patients and healthy individuals of Han individuals (P<0.05). There was also a relationship between smoking and drinking and the methylation of FHIT and CDH13 (P<0.05). Thus, the methylation of FHIT and CDH13 had a relationship with liver cancer incidence. Smoking and alcohol ingestion may promote the methylation of FHIT and CDH13.

Uncovering the Anticancer Mechanisms of Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulas: Therapeutic Alternatives for Liver Cancer

The potential values of Chinese herbal formulas in treating various diseases are well known. In addition to more than 2,000 years of history, herbal medicine is appreciated for its remarkable efficacy in a lot of cases, which warrants a role in public health care worldwide, especially in East Asian countries. Liver cancer is the second most fatal cancer across the world. Recent studies have extensively investigated the chemical profiles and pharmacological effects of Chinese herbal medicine formulas on liver cancer. Either through observational follow-up or experimental studies, multiple herbal formulas have benefits implicated in the management of liver cancer. However, complex composition of each formula imposes restrictions on promoting clinical practice and global recognition. Therefore, understanding the mode of action of Chinese herbal medicine formulas in depth may offer sufficient evidence for their clinical use. This review highlighted the chemical characteristics and molecular mechanisms of actions of prominent Chinese herbal medicine formulas and summarized the correlated findings on the potential use in liver cancer treatment. At last, the present progresses of Chinese herbal medicine formulas in the perspective of clinical trials are discussed.

LncRNA GAS5 enhanced the killing effect of NK cell on liver cancer through regulating miR-544/RUNX3

This study aimed to explore the role of lncRNA GAS5 in the regulation of the killing effect of NK cells on liver cancer. Compared with a control group, lncRNA GAS5, RUNX3, and NCR1 were down-regulated in NK cells of patients with liver cancer, whereas miR-544 expression was up-regulated in NK cells of patients with liver cancer. Activated NK cells had higher IFN-γ level. Knockdown of GAS5 in activated NK cells decreased IFN-γ secretion, NK cell cytotoxicity, the percentage of CD107a+ NK cells, and the apoptosis rate of HepG2 and Huh7 cells. We also proved the interaction of GAS5 and miR-544, and the negative regulation role of GAS5 on miR-544. GAS5 overexpression in activated NK cells increased RUNX3 expression, IFN-γ secretion, the NK cell cytotoxicity, the percentage of CD107a+ NK cells, and the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells, while miR-544 mimic abolished the promotion effect of GAS5 overexpression. Finally, in vivo experiments indicated an inhibition effect of GAS5 in tumor growth. LncRNA GAS5 overexpression enhances the killing effect of NK cell on liver cancer through regulating miR-544/RUNX3.

Effects of Exercise on the Tumour Microenvironment

Epidemiological evidence suggests that exercise improves survival in cancer patients. However, much is still unknown regarding the mechanisms of this positive survival effect and there are indications that exercise may not be universally beneficial for cancer patients. The key to understanding in which situations exercise is beneficial may lie in understanding its influence on the tumour microenvironment (TME)-and conversely, the influence of the tumour on physical functioning. The TME consists of a vast multitude of different cell types, mechanical and chemical stressors and humoral factors. The interplay of these different components greatly influences tumour cell characteristics and, subsequently, tumour growth rate and aggression. Exercise exerts whole-body physiological effects and can directly and indirectly affect the TME. In this chapter, we first discuss the possible role of exercise capacity ('fitness') and exercise adaptability on tumour responsiveness to exercise. We summarise how exercise affects aspects of the TME such as tumour perfusion, vascularity, hypoxia (reduced oxygenation) and immunity. Additionally, we discuss the role of myokines and other circulating factors in eliciting these changes in the TME. Finally, we highlight unanswered questions and key areas for future research in exercise oncology and the TME.

Impact of Physical Exercise on Growth and Progression of Cancer in Rodents-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Physical exercise is suspected to reduce cancer risk and mortality. So far, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Although limited, murine models represent a promising attempt in order to gain knowledge in this field. Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis examining various treatment protocols was conducted in order to determine the impact of exercise on tumor growth in rodents. Methods: PubMed, Google scholar and System for information on Gray literature in Europe were screened from inception to October 2017. Risk of bias within individual studies was assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation risk of bias rating tool for human and animal trials. The effect of exercise on tumor growth over and above non-exercise control was pooled using random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential moderators. Results: The quality of the included 17 articles ranged between "probably low" and "high risk of bias." A significant reduction in tumor growth in exercising animals compared to controls was detected (Hedges' g = -0.40; 95% CI -0.66 to -0.14, p < 0.01) with between-study heterogeneity (τ² = 0.217, I ² = 70.28%, p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was partially explained by three moderators representing the in-between group differences of "maximum daily exercise" R ² = 33% (p < 0.01), "type of cancer administration" R ² = 28% (p < 0.05), and "training initiation" R ² = 27% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that physical exercise leads to reduction of tumor size in rodents. Since "maximum daily exercise" was found to have at least modest impact on tumor growth, more clinical trials investigating dose-response relationships are needed.

Interferon-α Combined With Herbal Compound "Songyou Yin" Effectively Inhibits the Increased Invasiveness and Metastasis by Insufficient Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in an Animal Model

Objective: We had previously proved that insufficient radiofrequency ablation (RFA) could enhance invasiveness and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is mediated by activating β-catenin signaling. Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate whether the combined treatment of interferon-α (IFN-α) and “Songyou Yin” (SYY) minimizes the pro-metastatic effects of insufficient RFA, as well as to explore its underlying mechanism. Methods: Insufficient RFA was performed in an orthotopic nude mice model of HCCLM3 with high metastatic potential. The effects of IFN-α, SYY, and combined IFN-α and SYY were observed in the animal model. Tumor sizes, lung metastasis, and survival time were assessed. Immunochemistry staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot were used to examine gene expression related to metastasis and angiogenesis in residual cancer after insufficient RFA. Results: For up to 8 weeks of treatment, the combined therapy significantly decreased the residual cancer sizes, minimized the lung metastasis rate, and prolonged the survival time of nude mice, which might be due to suppression of the EMT via β-catenin signal blockade, in addition to attenuating angiogenesis in residual cancer after insufficient RFA. Conclusion: IFN-α combined with SYY significantly weakened the enhanced metastatic potential of residual cancer after insufficient RFA by attenuating EMT, which is mediated through inhibiting activation of β-catenin. In addition, decreasing angiogenesis of residual cancer might also play a certain role.

Combined Treatment for Lung Metastasis from Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report

The survival rate of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and extrahepatic metastases is very poor. Sorafenib, a targeted chemotherapy agent, has been shown effective for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it is associated with serious side effects. In addition, although surgery has been regarded as effective for lung metastases from HCC, its use in these patients is limited. Complementary and alternative medicine, including traditional Korean medicine (TKM), is increasingly used in cancer treatment, as it has been found to improve patient quality of life and maintain tumor size. This report describes a 62-year-old Korean woman with lung metastases from HCC. She first underwent surgery (stage IV) and six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. She was subsequently treated with sorafenib, but computed tomography showed progressive disease and she experienced the side effects of sorafenib. The patient started treatment with TKM, including pharmacopuncture and herbal medicine, in addition to sorafenib. After 8 weeks of TKM treatment, the size of the metastatic nodules decreased and the sorafenib-associated side effect symptoms improved. These findings suggest that treatment with a combination of TKM and sorafenib may be a promising method for patients with HCC and extrahepatic metastases.

Geijigajakyak decoction inhibits the motility and tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer cells

Background

Recent studies report that inflammatory diseases of the large intestine are associated with colorectal cancer. Geijigajakyak Decoction (GJD) has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, in light of the connection between chronic bowel inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC), we asked whether GJD inhibits colorectal tumorigenesis.

Methods

The effects of GJD on the viability and proliferation of CRC cells were evaluated using MTT and BrdU assays, respectively. The motility of CRC cells was examined by a Transwell migration/invasion assay and immunoblot analysis was used to examine the signaling pathways associated with migration. A syngeneic Balb/c mice allograft model, in which CT26 cells were injected into the dorsum, was used to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of GJD in vivo.

Results

GJD had no cytotoxic effects against HCT116 CRC cells, although it did inhibit their proliferation. GJD inhibited the migration of HCT116 cells, and suppressed the invasion of HCT116, Caco2, and CSC221 CRC cells. In addition, GJD downregulated the expression of p-JNK and p-p38 MAPK, which are downstream signaling molecules associated with invasiveness. Furthermore, oral administration of GJD (333 mg/kg, twice a day) inhibited tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model.

Conclusions

GJD inhibited the motility of human CRC cells and suppressed tumorigenesis in a mouse model. These results suggest that GJD warrants further study as a potential adjuvant anti-cancer therapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1281-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.