Roles of Therapeutic Bioactive Compounds in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant clinical challenge due to poor prognosis and limited effective treatments.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in cancer, with fine-tuning intracellular ROS signaling emerging as a novel therapeutic strategy.
• Understanding ROS generation and signaling is crucial for developing new therapeutic approaches in HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of ROS generation and signaling modulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapeutics.
• To explore key signaling pathways implicated in HCC, including VEGF, MAPK/ERK, mTOR, FGF, and Ser/Thr kinase pathways.
• To examine the potential of natural bioactive compounds and existing therapeutic strategies in managing HCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on ROS signaling in HCC.
• Analysis of major signaling pathways involved in HCC progression.
• Evaluation of natural bioactive compounds, oxidative stress, and FDA-approved inhibitors for HCC treatment.
• Review of chemotherapy and radiotherapy enhancers in HCC management.

Main Results:

• Fine-tuning intracellular ROS signaling is a promising strategy to counteract ROS-induced tumor-promoting events in HCC.
• Several key signaling pathways (VEGF, MAPK/ERK, mTOR, FGF, Ser/Thr kinase) are implicated in HCC.
• Natural bioactive compounds show potential in modulating HCC, alongside FDA-approved inhibitors and supportive therapies.

Conclusions:

• Modulating ROS signaling, particularly through natural compounds and targeted inhibitors, offers a promising avenue for HCC treatment.
• Further in vivo research is necessary to validate the efficacy of these natural compounds and derivatives.
• This review provides a foundation for future research and drug development in HCC therapeutics.