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.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|October 24, 2022
PubMed

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.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.8K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
7.9K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.0K
Liver Regeneration01:24

Liver Regeneration

The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
3.3K