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Updated: Oct 1, 2026
A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Isoliquiritigenin suppresses pulmonary metastasis of mouse renal cell carcinoma
Shoji Yamazaki1, Tatuo Morita, Hitoshi Endo
1Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Jichi Medical School, 3311 Yakushiji, Minamikawachi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan. s-yama@jichi.ac.jp
Abstract:
Isoliquiritigenin is a chalcone isolated from licorice and shallots. The ability of isoliquiritigenin to suppress metastasis was examined in a pulmonary metastasis model of mouse renal cell carcinoma. Isoliquiritigenin significantly reduced pulmonary metastasis, without any weight loss or leukocytopenia. Isoliquiritigenin suppressed in vitro proliferation of carcinoma cells, potentiated nitric oxide production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, and facilitated cytotoxicity of splenic lymphocytes in vitro. These findings suggest activation of macrophages, activation of cytotoxicity of lymphocytes, and direct cytotoxicity as possible mechanisms of metastasis suppression by isoliquiritigenin. In addition, isoliquiritigenin prevented severe leukocytopenia caused by administration of 5-fluorouracil.
Insights
Isoliquiritigenin, a compound from licorice, effectively suppressed renal cell carcinoma metastasis in mice. It also protected against chemotherapy-induced leukocytopenia, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Isoliquiritigenin is a chalcone found in licorice and shallots.
- Metastasis remains a significant challenge in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment.
- Understanding natural compounds' anti-metastatic properties is crucial for novel therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-metastatic effects of isoliquiritigenin in a mouse model of renal cell carcinoma.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of isoliquiritigenin's anti-metastatic activity.
- To evaluate isoliquiritigenin's impact on chemotherapy-induced side effects.
Main Methods:
- A pulmonary metastasis model using mouse renal cell carcinoma was established.
- In vitro assays were performed to assess carcinoma cell proliferation and immune cell activity.
- The effect of isoliquiritigenin on 5-fluorouracil-induced leukocytopenia was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Isoliquiritigenin significantly reduced pulmonary metastasis without causing weight loss or leukocytopenia.
- The compound suppressed in vitro proliferation of carcinoma cells.
- Isoliquiritigenin enhanced nitric oxide production by macrophages and splenic lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
- It also prevented severe leukocytopenia induced by 5-fluorouracil.
Conclusions:
- Isoliquiritigenin demonstrates significant anti-metastatic potential in renal cell carcinoma.
- Mechanisms include direct cytotoxicity, macrophage activation, and enhanced lymphocyte-mediated immunity.
- Isoliquiritigenin may offer a protective effect against chemotherapy-induced leukocytopenia.
