ANTIPROLIFERATION EFFECT OF CANTHARIDIN EXTRACTED FROM BLISTER BEETLES ON HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA CELL LINE

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide, with a high prevalence and a very low survival rate of 3-5%. Many factors play a role in the etiology of HCC, but most causes are hepatitis B and C viruses. Curative options of HCC can be considered only in early diagnosis. In advanced stages, and distant HCC metastases, palliative treatments are proposed. HCC cells, unlike normal cells, are resistant to death receptor-mediated apoptosis. Even though many chemotherapeutic drugs have been developed for HCC therapy, the results have not been promising yet because of drug resistance, and systemic toxicity, specifically in the advanced stages. As a result, searching for new natural compounds with cytotoxic effects against HCC cells was considered a future trend. One of the most promising compounds is cantharidin (CA), which is produced from the blister beetles (Meloidae). CA is a widely known insect natural product in the world and one of the most fascinating compounds in medicine