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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Hesperetin, a potential therapy for carcinoid cancer
Barbara Zarebczan1, Scott N Pinchot, Muthusamy Kunnimalaiyaan
1Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
Background:
The investigators' laboratory has demonstrated that the Notch1 signaling pathway acts as a tumor suppressor in carcinoid tumors. The aim of this study was to examine hesperetin, a flavonoid, as a potential Notch1 activator and carcinoid tumor suppressor.
Methods:
A high-throughput drug screen revealed hesperetin as a Notch1 activator. Human gastrointestinal carcinoid (BON) cell growth after hesperetin treatment was assessed with a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Western blots were used to measure neuroendocrine tumor markers, human achaete-scute complex-like 1, and chromogranin A. Notch1 expression was measured using western blot analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Hesperetin induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner and reduced achaete-scute complex-like 1 and chromogranin A expression, with a concomitant rise in Notch1 levels. It also induced Notch1 messenger ribonucleic acid, indicating regulation at the transcriptional level.
Conclusion:
Hesperetin induces Notch1 expression in carcinoid cells, subsequently suppressing tumor cell proliferation and bioactive hormone production. This provides evidence for further study into hesperetin as a potential treatment for carcinoid cancer.
Insights
Hesperetin, a flavonoid, activates Notch1 signaling, suppressing carcinoid tumor growth and hormone production. This suggests hesperetin as a potential novel treatment for carcinoid cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Notch1 signaling pathway functions as a tumor suppressor in carcinoid tumors.
- Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hesperetin as a potential Notch1 activator.
- To evaluate hesperetin's efficacy as a carcinoid tumor suppressor.
Main Methods:
- High-throughput drug screening identified hesperetin.
- Assessed human gastrointestinal carcinoid (BON) cell growth using MTT assay.
- Measured neuroendocrine tumor markers (human achaete-scute complex-like 1, chromogranin A) and Notch1 expression via Western blot and real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- Hesperetin induced dose-dependent cell death in BON cells.
- Reduced expression of human achaete-scute complex-like 1 and chromogranin A.
- Increased Notch1 levels and messenger RNA, indicating transcriptional regulation.
Conclusions:
- Hesperetin enhances Notch1 expression in carcinoid cells.
- Suppresses tumor cell proliferation and bioactive hormone production.
- Warrants further investigation as a potential carcinoid cancer therapeutic.
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