Hepatocellular carcinoma is a substantial health concern. It is currently the third dominating cause of mortality associated with cancer worldwide. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma is an intricate process that encompasses the impairment of genetic, epigenetic, and signal transduction mechanisms contributing to an aberrant metabolic system, enabling tumorigenesis. Throughout the past decade, research has led to the revelation of molecular pathways implicated in the progression of this notorious disorder. The altered signal transduction pathways, such as the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway, phosphoinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, WNT/β‐catenin pathway, hepatocyte growth factor/c‐MET pathway, and just another kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway is of much therapeutic significance, as targeting them may avail to revert, retard or avert hepatocarcinogenesis. The present review article sums up the contemporary knowledge of such signaling mechanisms, including their therapeutic targets and betokens that novel and efficacious therapies can be developed only by the keen understanding of their character in hepatocarcinogenesis. In additament, we address the role of consequential therapeutic agents and preclinical nondrug therapies known for combating hepatocarcinogenesis.
A metabolic problem occurs when regular functions of the body are disrupted due to an undesirable imbalance. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as one of the most common in this category. NAFLD is subclassified and progresses from lipid accumulation to cirrhosis before advancing to hepatocellular cancer. In spite of being a critical concern, the standard treatment is inadequate. Metformin, silymarin, and other nonspecific medications are used in the management of NAFLD.Aside from this available medicine, maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been emphasized as a means of combating this. Epigenetics, which has been attributed to NAFLD, is another essential feature of this disease that has emerged as a result of several sorts of research. The mechanisms by which DNA methylation, noncoding RNA, and histone modification promote NAFLD have been extensively researched.Another organelle, mitochondria, which play a pivotal role in biological processes, contributes to the global threat. Individuals with NAFLD have been documented to have a multitude of alterations and malfunctioning. Mitochondria are mainly concerned with the process of energy production and regulation of the signaling pathway on which the fate of a cell relies. Modulation of mitochondria leads to elevated lipid deposition in the liver. Further, changes in oxidation states result in an impaired balance between the antioxidant system and reactive oxygen species directly linked to mitochondria. Hence mitochondria have a definite role in potentiating NAFLD. In this regard, it is essential to consider the role of epigenetics as well as mitochondrial contribution while developing a medication or therapy with the desired accuracy.
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver is increasing due to modern lifestyle. Germinated and dehulled Macrotyloma uniflorum and Vigna radiate were shown to have enhanced nutrients. Curcuma longa and Trigonella foenum graecum were proven hepatoprotective.The supplementation of the nutrient herbal mixture to the MCD diet‐induced steatosis shows reduced hepatic fat accumulation and lipid profile, and liver injury markers in serum also reserved in normal. Increased serum albumin in the treatment group indicates that the liver function is enhanced than that of steatosis. The supplementation of the herbal mixture has preserved the hepatic antioxidant. Zymographic analysis of matrix metalloproteinase, western blot determination of α‐SMA, and histological evolution (H&E, Sirius red) depicted reduced fibrosis and reveled management of hepatic stellate cells in quiescent form. The present study concludes that the herbal mixture has reduced hepatocyte fat accumulation in steatotic animals, and curtailed the oxidative stress, further it prevents the progression of steatohepatitis.
Practical applications
Fatty liver diseases can be treated by modulating the diet composition such as consuming food rich in the nutrient herbal mixture. In this study, the nutrient mixture was made with dynamic food processing techniques such as germination, dehulling, and milling to augment the nutritional contents. Besides, Macrotyloma uniflorum, Vigna radiate, Curcuma longa, and Trigonella foenum graecum were used to improve the medicinal value and antioxidant. This formulation could target the various stages of NAFLD. This study revealed that the nutrient herbal mixture reduces the steatosis of the liver and curtailed the progression of steatohepatitis from hepatic steatosis. Since the edible foodstuff was used to make the nutrient mixture, it has excellent clinical application.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.