HNF4 is a nuclear hormone receptor protein mostly expressed in the liver but also expressed at lower levels in the gut, kidney, and pancreatic beta cells. Three different isoforms have been identified, HNF 4α, HNF 4β and HNF 4γ. The structure of HNF 4α protein has two transactivation Abstract: Limited treatment options are available for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in the advanced stage, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Many studies have demonstrated that hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF 4α) plays an important role in hepatic differentiation and the carcinogenesis of HCC. HNF 4α critically regulates hepatic differentiation by controlling a large number of genes involved in hepatic functions including metabolism, xenobiotic detoxification, bile acid synthesis, and serum protein production. It has also been confirmed to play an important role in the inflammatory environment in HCC. Thus, HNF 4α is considered to be a promising target for the treatment of HCC. Some studies have demonstrated that regulating HNF 4α expression in HCC had beneficial effects in in vivo and in vitro experiments. We herein review the role of HNF 4α in regulating hepatic metabolism and the inflammatory response, aiming to provide some ideas on induced hepatic differentiation therapy and regulating the inflammatory microenvironment for the treatment of advanced HCC.

Objective To establish a lung cancer dormancy mouse model and verify the effects of Wushen (WS), a formula food, on postoperative recurrence. Methods We established a Lewis cell tumor dormancy model system that definitively links surgery and the subsequent wound-healing response to the outgrowth of lung cancer cells. We used this model to observe the effects of WS on the postoperative recurrence and the nutritional status of the mice. Finally, the immunocyte subtypes and cytokine levels in the serum and spleens of mice were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. Results The recurrence rate in the WS group was obviously lower than that in the control group. Wushen increased the body weights and serum albumin levels of the mice. The levels of NK, Gr1 + CD11b + CD3 + CD8 + and CD3 + CD4 + T cells in the spleens of mice in the WS group were also increased. Compared with the control group, the levels of CD4 + IFN-γ + , CD4 + IL-2 and CD4 + /IL-10 + in the spleens of mice in the WS group were decreased. Wushen also seemed to decrease the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, but the decrease was not significant. Conclusion The postoperative lung cancer recurrence model was successfully established. Wushen inhibited postoperative recurrence, apparently by regulating the level of immune cell subtypes and cytokines in the serum and spleen.