Cannabis sativa demonstrates hepatocellular carcinoma potential in animal model: in silico and in vivo studies of Akt involvement
Publication date: July 31, 2023
Translation: MVZ Flor Ortiz
Edition: ICAN Vets Publishing House
Description
The present study explored the anti-CCHC potentials of Cannabis sativa extract using in silico and in vivo animal models.
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than 85% of primary liver cancers, which, according to the World Health Organization(WHO), will kill more than 1 million people by 2030.
Akt kinase B (Akt) and its downstream signaling proteins are promising options in the design of new potent drug candidates against HCC.
Akt, a serine/threonine kinase, is at the crossroads of neoplastic development.
Results
Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC) and cannabidiol formed stable hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions within the catalytic domain of protein kinase (Akt-2).
C. sativa extract (15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) a 3-fold decrease in liver function enzyme activities compared to the positive control (group 2). It also provided a 1.5-fold decrease in hepatic lipid peroxidation and elevated serum antioxidant enzyme activities by 1-fold in HCC-treated Wistar rats with HCC compared to the positive control (group 2).
C. sativa extract reduced necrosis and inflammation in HCC.
In other words: C. sativa demonstrates anti-hepatocellular carcinoma potential in an animal model of HCC and with the involvement of Akt. It is mediated by anti-angiogenic, pro-apoptotic, cycle arrest and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Future studies are suggested to explore the mechanisms of the anti-HCC effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC) and cannabidiol through PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.
Reference
Akinloye, D. I., Metibemu, D. S., Shittu, M. T., Lawal, M. A., Olatunji, F. O., Oyediran, M. A., & Akinloye, O. A. (2023). Cannabis sativa demonstrates anti-hepatocellular carcinoma potentials in animal model: in silico and in vivo studies of the involvement of Akt. Journal of Cannabis Research, 5(1), 27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00190-z
