Effect of Natural Products’ Combination on MicroRNAs Expression Level in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

HCC is one of the most common cancers in the world with a high mortality rate and few effective treatment options. Diagnosis of HCC often made with advanced stages. The use of natural agents is a promising treatment due to its safety and efficacy to delay the progression of advanced tumors and protecting patients. Curcumin possesses a variety of therapeutic properties including the suppression of cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis. Further, taurine has an anticancer effect through inhibition of tumor proliferation, enhancement of antioxidant effect, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, and promoting immunity. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a natural agents’ combination treatment, presented by curcumin, piperine, and taurine, on serum IL-10 level and the expression level of circulating miR-141 and miR-21 in patients with HCC. This study was a part of a prospective, single-center, single-arm, open-label phase II trial in which twenty HCC patients, who fulfilled all the eligibility and exclusion criteria were recruited from the medical oncology clinic at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University.