Effect of Diosmin on mTOR/Akt Signaling Molecules in NDEA-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Experimental Rats

Abstract

Background: Diosmin is a natural compound with a wide range of biological activity, e.g., it improves lymphatic drainage, supports microcirculation, and increases venous tone, and venous elasticity, hence, it is applied in the pharmacotherapy of chronic venous disorders (CVD). This work aims to analyze the effect of diosmin on mTOR and Akt-signaling molecules in NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: Healthy adult rats were split into four groups randomly. Each group consisted of 6 animals. Group I: Control, Group II: NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinogenic rats, Group III: Cancer-bearing animals treated with diosmin (200 mg) orally for 28 days. Group IV: Control animals treated with diosmin (200 mg) alone for 28 days. Liver function markers (ALP and AST) were measured by biochemical analysis while mTOR and Akt mRNA expression were analyzed by q-PCR analysis. Results: ALP and AST concentration in the serum and mRNA expression of the transcription factor, mTOR were found to be upregulated in HCC bearing rats but Akt mRNA expression was reduced. However, a 200 mg dose of diosmin controls the altered levels of liver function markers and signalling molecules. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that diosmin may be one of the pharmacological and therapeutic natural compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma.