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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
06:38
An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Hypercholesterolemia-induced impairment in sorafenib functionality is overcome by avasimibe co-treatment
Dipti Athavale1, Himanshi Yaduvanshi1, Firoz Khan Bhati1
1Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-National Centre for Cell Science (BRIC-NCCS), Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, India.
Journal of Biosciences
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Avasimibe enhances sorafenib
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research
- Cancer drug development
- Metabolic disease and cancer interactions
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell survival.
- High cholesterol levels can reduce the effectiveness of sorafenib, a common HCC treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if avasimibe can restore sorafenib's efficacy in HCC under hypercholesterolemic conditions.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms behind the combined effects of avasimibe and sorafenib.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vitro and in vivo models of HCC.
- Administered avasimibe and sorafenib alone and in combination.
- Analyzed HCC cell viability, cell death, and molecular signaling pathways (ERK, ER stress).
Main Results:
- Avasimibe and sorafenib synergistically inhibited HCC cell viability and induced cell death.
- Combination therapy restored sorafenib's efficacy in mice on a high-cholesterol diet.
- Observed downregulation of ERK signaling and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Conclusions:
- Hypercholesterolemia impairs sorafenib efficacy in HCC.
- Avasimibe co-treatment can restore and enhance sorafenib's anticancer effects in HCC.
- This suggests a potential new treatment strategy for HCC patients with hypercholesterolemia.
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