Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a poor prognosis. This study investigated the protective effects of ferulic acid (FA), a natural phenolic compound, against chemically induced HCC in rats.
Methods
HCC was induced in male Wistar rats using N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). FA was administered daily for 12 weeks starting 2 weeks after NDEA injection. Hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses were assessed.
Results
FA administration significantly reduced serum transaminase levels and histopathological alterations in the liver, indicating reduced hepatic injury. Furthermore, FA treatment attenuated NDEA-CCl4-induced oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation. It also suppressed inflammatory responses by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Molecular Mechanisms
- FA inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammation.
- It upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master regulator of antioxidant defenses.
- FA also modulated the expression of cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins, promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCC cells.
Conclusion
FA exhibits protective effects against NDEA-CCl4-induced HCC by reducing hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation through multiple molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest that FA may have therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of HCC.
Kind regards Dr. R. Naples.
