Open Access

Camptothecin improves sorafenib sensitivity by inhibiting Nrf2‑ARE pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

  • Authors:
    • Liwei Sun
    • Hankang Wang
    • Qian Liu
    • Fanguang Meng
    • Jinliang Zhang
    • Xiaodong Li
    • Shulin Chang
    • Guijie Li
    • Feng Chen
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: February 3, 2023     https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2023.8492
  • Article Number: 55
  • Copyright: © Sun et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Sorafenib is a targeted drug for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, its efficacy is limited. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) contributes to sorafenib resistance. The present study investigated camptothecin (CPT) as a Nrf2 inhibitor to sensitize HCC to sorafenib. The effect of CPT on sorafenib sensitivity in HCC was assessed in vivo using H22 mice model (n=32) and VX2 rabbit models (n=32), which were sorted into four treatment groups. The expression levels of Nrf2, its downstream genes, including heme oxygenases‑1 (HO‑1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition markers Snail and N‑cadherin in tumors were determined using immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to monitor changes in tumor microcirculation and activity before and after treatment. Mouse body weights, liver and kidney function were monitored to evaluate the safety of combined therapy. The results revealed that the mean tumor size of the combined group was significantly smaller than that of sorafenib group for both models. The expression levels of Nrf2, heme oxygenase‑1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, Snail, and N‑cadherin in the sorafenib group were significantly higher than control group (P<0.05). However, the expression levels of these genes were decreased in the combined group (P<0.05). Microcirculation perfusion and tumor activity in the combined group were also lower than sorafenib group. There were no significant differences in mouse body weight or liver and kidney function among the four groups. In summary, CPT is a Nrf2 inhibitor that could enhance the efficacy of sorafenib against HCC.
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March-2023
Volume 49 Issue 3

Print ISSN: 1021-335X
Online ISSN:1791-2431

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Sun L, Wang H, Liu Q, Meng F, Zhang J, Li X, Chang S, Li G and Chen F: Camptothecin improves sorafenib sensitivity by inhibiting Nrf2‑ARE pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 49: 55, 2023
APA
Sun, L., Wang, H., Liu, Q., Meng, F., Zhang, J., Li, X. ... Chen, F. (2023). Camptothecin improves sorafenib sensitivity by inhibiting Nrf2‑ARE pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncology Reports, 49, 55. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2023.8492
MLA
Sun, L., Wang, H., Liu, Q., Meng, F., Zhang, J., Li, X., Chang, S., Li, G., Chen, F."Camptothecin improves sorafenib sensitivity by inhibiting Nrf2‑ARE pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma". Oncology Reports 49.3 (2023): 55.
Chicago
Sun, L., Wang, H., Liu, Q., Meng, F., Zhang, J., Li, X., Chang, S., Li, G., Chen, F."Camptothecin improves sorafenib sensitivity by inhibiting Nrf2‑ARE pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma". Oncology Reports 49, no. 3 (2023): 55. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2023.8492