Abstract
Kahweol, a coffee-specific diterpene, induces apoptosis in human cancer cells, and some targets of kahweol-mediated apoptosis have been identified. However, the specific apoptotic effects and mechanism of action of kahweol in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are unknown. This study was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which kahweol induces apoptosis in HCC cells. The Src pathway is associated with apoptosis in cancer. In this study, we found that kahweol induces apoptosis by inhibiting phosphorylation of Src, and also inhibiting p-mTOR and p-STAT3. Therefore, we suggest that kahweol is a potent inhibitor of HCC cell growth.
Highlights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide [1]
Our results demonstrate that kahweol inhibits HCC cell growth by inhibiting the Src/Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/STAT3 signaling pathway (Figure 1)
This study evaluated the anti-cancer activity of kahweol and the pathways it affected in HCC cells
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide [1]. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), alcohol, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the most common causes of HCC. Despite the recent development of various antiviral agents, there are unmet needs to prevent and treat HCC [2,3,4]. A reduction in the incidence of HCC due to NAFLD is achieved through weight loss by diet control and increased physical activity. D, branched-chain amino acids, and coffee can prevent the occurrence of HCC [5]. Recent meta-analysis indicates that coffee drinkers have reduced incidences of HCC and chronic liver disease [7,8]
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