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Antitumour activity of oleanolic acid: A systematic review and meta‑analysis
Ying Zeng1, Zhonglian Wang1, Jing Zhang1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Oleanolic acid (OA), a compound known for its potent antitumour properties, has been the subject of investigations in both cell and animal models. Although OA has good biological activity, its low water solubility and bioavailability limit its therapeutic use, and therefore translating the potential of OA into the clinical oncology setting remains challenging. The present systematic review and meta-analysis utilized evidence from animal model studies to gain insights into the antitumour mechanisms of OA to address the gap in understanding, and to provide guidance for future research directions and potential clinical applications. The guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were applied in the present study and a comprehensive search was conducted across the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase databases, with a cut-off date of June 30, 2023. The primary focus was on randomized controlled trials that used animal models to assess the antitumour effects of OA. The methodological quality appraisal was conducted using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk of bias tool, and tumour volume and weight served as the principal outcome measures. Data were analysed using the RevMan (version 5.3) and Stata SE11 software packages, with an assessment of heterogeneity conducted using the I2 statistical test, sensitivity analysis conducted using the leave-one-out approach, and evaluation of publication bias performed using Egger's test and funnel plot analysis. The present study demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect of OA intervention on tumour growth and a decrease in tumour weight in animal models. Despite the broad spectrum of antitumour effects exhibited by OA, further investigations are warranted to optimize the dosage and administration routes of OA to maximize its efficacy in clinical cancer treatment.
Insights
Oleanolic acid (OA) shows significant antitumour effects in animal models, reducing tumor growth and weight. Further research is needed to optimize OA for clinical cancer treatment due to solubility challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Oncology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Background:
- Oleanolic acid (OA) possesses potent antitumour properties, but its clinical application is limited by poor water solubility and bioavailability.
- Translating OA's potential into clinical oncology requires a deeper understanding of its antitumour mechanisms.
- Existing research primarily involves cell and animal models, necessitating a consolidated analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze evidence from animal models to elucidate the antitumour mechanisms of Oleanolic acid (OA).
- To address the gap in understanding OA's efficacy and guide future research and potential clinical applications in oncology.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of OA's antitumour effects based on randomized controlled trials in animal models.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to June 30, 2023.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials using animal models to assess OA's antitumour effects, with methodological quality appraised using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool.
- Data analysis performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata SE11, including heterogeneity assessment (I²), sensitivity analysis (leave-one-out), and publication bias evaluation (Egger's test, funnel plots).
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis revealed a significant inhibitory effect of Oleanolic acid (OA) intervention on tumour growth across animal models.
- OA administration resulted in a statistically significant decrease in tumour weight compared to control groups.
- The review identified a broad spectrum of antitumour effects associated with OA.
Conclusions:
- Oleanolic acid (OA) demonstrates significant efficacy in inhibiting tumour growth and reducing tumour weight in preclinical animal models.
- Despite promising results, challenges related to OA's solubility and bioavailability necessitate further investigation for effective clinical translation.
- Optimization of OA dosage and administration routes is crucial for maximizing its therapeutic potential in clinical cancer treatment.
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