Anticancer Effect of Tacrolimus on Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice

Faculty Medicine Year: 2021
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages: 434-445
Authors:
Journal: Current Molecular Pharmacology Pub med Volume: 15
Keywords : Anticancer Effect , Tacrolimus , Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma    
Abstract:
Background: Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor widely used for immunological disorders. However, there is significant controversy regarding its effect on the liver. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anticancer effects of tacrolimus on an induced murine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model and its possible hepatotoxicity at standard therapeutic doses. Methods: Fifty-four male mice were divided into five groups: a control healthy group, control HCC group, tacrolimus-treated group, doxorubicin (DOXO)-treated group, and combined tacrolimus- and DOXO-treated group. The activity of liver enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, gamma- glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase, was determined. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured using an enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. A quantitative real time- polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR) was conducted to measure the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bax, and p53 mRNA. Immunohistochemical staining for cyclin D1 and VEGF was performed. Results: Mice that received combined treatment with tacrolimus and DOXO exhibited the best improvement in all parameters when compared with the groups that received DOXO or tacrolimus alone (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The combination of DOXO and tacrolimus was more effective in the management of HCC compared with either agent alone. This improvement was detected by the reduction of liver enzymes and the improvement of the histopathological profile. The involved mechanisms included significant apoptosis induction demonstrated by upregulation of bax along with a reduction in angiogenesis demonstrated by downregulation of VEGF. This was accompanied by inhibition of cell cycle progression mediated by upregulated p53 and downregulated PCNA and cyclin D1
   
     
 
       

Author Related Publications

  • Alaa Ibrahim Ali ebrahim, "Tacrolimus inhibits angiogenesis and induces disaggregation of endothelial cells in spheroids – Toxicity testing in a 3D cell culture approach", Elsevier, 2018 More

Department Related Publications

  • Rasha Mohamed Sabry, "Amlexanox Exhibits Cardioprotective Effects in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats", -scielo, 2021 More
  • Alaa Ibrahim Ali ebrahim, "Tacrolimus inhibits angiogenesis and induces disaggregation of endothelial cells in spheroids – Toxicity testing in a 3D cell culture approach", Elsevier, 2018 More
  • Shereen Samy Mahmoud Osman, "Possible Protective Effects of Propranolol and Carvedilol and Their Interaction with Mesalazine on Experimentally Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Male Albino Rats", 2024 More
  • Amal Alsayed Salem Abdelrehim, "Possible Protective Effects of Propranolol and Carvedilol and Their Interaction with Mesalazine on Experimentally Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Male Albino Rats", 2024 More
Tweet