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Published on: January 26, 2024
The pathogenesis of liver cancer and the therapeutic potential of bioactive substances
Song Gao1,2, Xingyue Jiang2, Liang Wang2
1State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world and has become an urgent problem for global public health. Bioactive substances are widely used for the treatment of liver cancer due to their widespread availability and reduced side effects. This review summarizes the main pathogenic factors involved in the development of liver cancer, including metabolic fatty liver disease, viral infection, and alcoholic cirrhosis, and focuses on the mechanism of action of bioactive components such as polysaccharides, alkaloids, phenols, peptides, and active bacteria/fungi. In addition, we also summarize transformation methods, combined therapy and modification of bioactive substances to improve the treatment efficiency against liver cancer, highlighting new ideas in this field.
Insights
Bioactive substances offer a promising approach to treating liver cancer, a major global health concern. This review explores their mechanisms, applications, and modifications for enhanced efficacy against liver cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, posing a significant public health challenge.
- Bioactive substances are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in liver cancer treatment due to accessibility and fewer side effects.
- Key pathogenic factors include metabolic fatty liver disease, viral infections, and alcoholic cirrhosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the primary pathogenic factors contributing to liver cancer development.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of action of various bioactive components (polysaccharides, alkaloids, phenols, peptides, bacteria/fungi) in liver cancer.
- To summarize strategies for enhancing the efficacy of bioactive substances in liver cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pathogenic factors in liver cancer.
- Analysis of the mechanisms of action of diverse bioactive substances.
- Synthesis of information on transformation methods, combination therapies, and modifications of bioactive substances.
Main Results:
- Identified key drivers of liver cancer, including metabolic dysfunction, viral hepatitis, and alcohol-related liver disease.
- Detailed the therapeutic mechanisms of bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, alkaloids, phenols, and peptides.
- Highlighted the role of active bacteria and fungi in modulating the liver cancer microenvironment.
- Summarized innovative approaches such as substance modification and combined therapies to improve treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Bioactive substances represent a viable and effective strategy for liver cancer management.
- Understanding the mechanisms of action and employing targeted modifications can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Further research into novel bioactive compounds and combination therapies holds promise for advancing liver cancer treatment.
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