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An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Comparative analysis of anticancer properties of So and selenium nanoparticles in a thioacetamide-induced HCC model
Elena G Varlamova1, Dmitry E Burmistrov2, Sergey V Gudkov2
1Institute of Cell Biophysics, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences", 142290, Pushchino, Russia.
Abstract:
To date, there is no effective and at the same time less toxic therapeutic option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the second cause of death in the world. Known drugs for the treatment of cancer lead to the development of primary or acquired resistance and progression of the disease. One of the well-known first-line drugs for the treatment of liver and kidney cancer is So. However, it has poor solubility, the need for high doses with the resulting complications for healthy tissues and organs. In the last decade, the anticancer properties of selenium nanoparticles have been actively studied, including for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, in this work, a comprehensive comparative analysis of the anticancer properties of So and selenium nanoparticles is carried out on a model of thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. The results of the analysis showed that selenium nanoparticles, along with So, have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties and are involved in the activation of protective mechanisms by suppressing tumor markers and HCC-associated signaling pathways. Based on the results of the comparative analysis, we identified some advantages in the effectiveness of selenium nanoparticles in mitigating the effects of HCC compared to So.
Insights
Selenium nanoparticles show promise in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), offering a potentially less toxic and more effective alternative to the drug Sorafenib. This study highlights their anti-inflammatory and tumor-suppressing capabilities in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death globally, with limited therapeutic options.
- Current treatments like Sorafenib (So) face challenges including drug resistance, poor solubility, and significant side effects.
- Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as a potential therapeutic agent due to their studied anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the anticancer efficacy of Sorafenib (So) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs).
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of SeNPs in a preclinical model of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- A thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model was utilized for comparative analysis.
- Assessment of anti-inflammatory properties and modulation of tumor markers and HCC-associated signaling pathways.
- Comparison of the therapeutic effects of SeNPs versus Sorafenib (So) in mitigating HCC progression.
Main Results:
- Both Sorafenib (So) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties.
- SeNPs and So were found to activate protective mechanisms by suppressing tumor markers and HCC-associated signaling pathways.
- Selenium nanoparticles exhibited superior effectiveness in mitigating the effects of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to Sorafenib (So).
Conclusions:
- Selenium nanoparticles present a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma, potentially offering improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
- Further research into SeNPs could lead to novel, less toxic treatments for liver cancer patients.
- Comparative analysis supports the advancement of SeNPs as a viable alternative or adjunct therapy for HCC.

