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Collaborative Research Unravels Insights into Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Paves the Way for Targeted Therapies
A groundbreaking study conducted over six years by scientists from CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), and Centre of Biomedical Research (CBMR), SGPGIMS, Lucknow, reveals a potential breakthrough in preventing liver cancer through targeted metabolic therapy.
Led by CDRI scientist Madhav Nilakanth Mugale, the research challenges the growing health challenge of liver cancer, often diagnosed in advanced stages. Published in the esteemed international journal Elsevier, the study focuses on changing the metabolic programming of cells as a target therapy for cancer prevention.
The research provides crucial insights into Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a challenging form of liver cancer. By utilizing an animal model of HCC induced by Diethylnitrosamine (DEN), the study mirrors the disease’s development in humans.
Key findings from the research include decreased body weight, elevated levels of specific enzymes in the blood, and alterations in liver structure observed through advanced techniques like Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microscopy. The team also delved into the role of the STAT3-NFKB signaling pathway, uncovering its impact on cell metabolism as a key driver in mitochondrial malfunction and reduced cell death.
Advanced techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were employed to analyze the metabolism of liver cells and blood cells in highly growing stages. The study revealed abnormal changes in the cell cycle, including the accumulation of substances like succinate in the liver tissue, increased breakdown of ketones, and alterations in amino acid processing in advanced stages of HCC.
Importantly, these metabolic changes closely align with the progression of liver cancer, potentially serving as early indicators of the disease. CDRI director Radha Rangarajan expressed optimism about the findings, stating, “These findings bring hope for more effective interventions in the battle against liver cancer.”
The research not only sheds light on the metabolic mysteries behind HCC but also opens avenues for targeted therapies. By understanding the changes in cell metabolism, scientists believe it can be used as a diagnostic tool for cancer prevention.
As the scientific community continues to unravel the complexities of liver cancer, this study marks a significant step forward in the quest for more effective interventions and preventative strategies against this formidable health challenge.
