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Current Cancer Drug Targets

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ISSN (Print): 1568-0096
ISSN (Online): 1873-5576

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Research Article

Emodin is a Potential Drug Targeting CD44-positive Hepatocellular Cancer

Author(s): Yuan Gao, Youling Li, Yunhe Zhu, Qiao Luo, Yifeng Lu, Ke Wen, Boyu Du, Xueyan Xi* and Gang Li*

Volume 24, Issue 5, 2024

Published on: 20 November, 2023

Page: [510 - 518] Pages: 9

DOI: 10.2174/0115680096256913231101103719

Abstract

Background: Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer of the digestive system in our country. The most common subtype of this disease is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, treatment options for HCC patients include surgical resection, liver transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization, and biologic-targeted therapy. However, the efficacy of these treatments is suboptimal, as they are prone to drug resistance, metastasis, spread, and recurrence. These attributes are closely related to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, the utilization of drugs targeting CSCs may effectively inhibit the development and recurrence of HCC.

Methods: HepG2 and Huh7 cells were used to analyze the antitumor activity of emodin by quantifying cell growth and metastasis, as well as to study its effect on stemness.

Results: Emodin effectively suppressed the growth and movement of HCC cells. Emodin also significantly inhibited the proliferation of CD44-positive hepatoma cells.

Conclusion: Emodin shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for HCC by targeting CD44-- positive hepatoma cells.

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