Erzhu Jiedu decoction ameliorates liver precancerous lesions in a rat model of liver cancer

Abstract

Precancerous lesions are the intermediate stage in the development of liver cancer from cirrhosis. Early intervention measures can effectively prevent the occurrence of liver cancer and prolong the lives of patients, resulting in greater economic effects. Erzhu Jiedu decoction (EJD) is a semiempirical formula that is used in the treatment of cirrhosis and liver cancer according to the academic philosophy of “Preventive treatment of disease” and has achieved good curative effects in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of EJD on liver precancerous lesions induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in rats. The results showed that EJD improved the general conditions (body weight, ALT, AST, and GGT) and reduced the number of precancerous lesions in the rat model. Notably, the medium dose of EJD (1.05 g/kg) had better treatment effects than the low dose of EJD, and the high dose of EJD did not further improve the liver lesions compared to the medium dose of EJD. Moreover, EJD effectively reduced the DEN-induced GST-Pi, AFP, CK19, c-Myc, and Ki67 protein expression in liver precancerous tissues. Interestingly, EJD significantly reduced YAP and TAZ mRNA expression in the liver precancerous lesions. Collectively, EJD protects against in the initiation of liver cancer and the regulation of c-Myc and Hippo signaling pathways may be the underlying mechanism.

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“…This result suggests that CMFs had a positive effect on tumor marker, which was consistent with the finding of Cheng Y. (Cheng et al, 2020). Generally speaking, CMFs could prolong the survival rate, ameliorate the quality of life, diminish solid tumors, and lower tumor markers in PLC patients at the intermediate-advanced stage.…”

Efficacy of erzhu jiedu recipe on hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia

“…Moreover, EZJDR effectively reduced the DEN-induced GST-Pi, AFP, CK19, c-Myc, and Ki67 protein expression in liver precancerous tissues. [23] EZJDR is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been prescribed for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and HCC for many years in clinical experience, we found that patients who took EZJDR had a good clinical effect. To confirm this phenomenon, we performed this clinical study.…”

“…More importantly, EZJDR could improve the general conditions (body weight, ALT, AST, and GGT) and reduced the number of precancerous lesions in the rat model which induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Moreover, EZJDR effectively reduced the DEN-induced GST-Pi, AFP, CK19, c-Myc, and Ki67 protein expression in liver precancerous tissues [23] …”

“…[9] For example, the Chinese herbal medicine, Zhenggan Decoction, can effectively reduce the serum AFP level and the occurrence of liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia, and has anti-liver injury, anti-liver fibrosis and improved the immune function of patients. [6,22] Cheng et al studies found that EZJDR can reduce the serum AFP level in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis, [11] and can reduce the cumulative recurrence rate, prolong the total survival time, improve the quality of life and liver function after HCC resection. [12] More importantly, EZJDR could improve the general conditions (body weight, ALT, AST, and GGT) and reduced the number of precancerous lesions in the rat model which induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN).…”

“…Previously, we found that the EZJDR has achieved good curative effect in actual clinical practice. [10][11][12] Therefore, the purpose of this study was to further verify the clinical efficacy and safety of EZJDR in the treatment of hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia through a randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the basis of previous studies.…”