2.4.2 Effects on the Cell Cycle, Apoptosis, and Proliferation of Liver Cancer Cells

2.4.2 Effects on the Cell Cycle, Apoptosis, and Proliferation of Liver Cancer Cells

Studies have shown that kidney-tonifying and qi-replenishing herbs can promote the aging cell cycle, reducing the expression of the aging cell proliferation-inhibiting gene P16 protein, as well as decreasing the mRNA/protein expression of cyclin D1, a cell-cycle-promoting gene [6]. Si Weike et al. [6] observed changes in G1 cell cycle regulatory factors when studying the effect of matrine on inducing apoptosis in human liver cancer cells. They found that after medication, the expression of negative regulators of the G1 cell cycle—P53, P27, P16, and Rb—increased, while the expression of positive regulators—cyclin D1—decreased, indicating that matrine may induce apoptosis in HepG2 human liver cancer cells by upregulating the expression of G1 cell cycle negative regulators and downregulating the expression of G1 phase positive regulator cyclin D1. Yin Fei et al. [6] observed the effects of medicated serum from rats containing liver-clearing and blood-stasis-resolving formulas on the proliferation and apoptosis of human liver cancer cells under normal and pathological conditions. They found that under pathological conditions, the medicated serum from rats had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on the proliferation of SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells than the medicated serum from rats under normal conditions, and that the medicated serum from rats under pathological conditions could promote apoptosis in liver cancer cells, keeping them in the G0/1 phase and reducing the percentage of S-phase cells and the proliferation index. Some studies have found that aqueous extracts of the herb astragalus contain anticancer active substances that can inhibit the proliferation of cultured liver cancer cells in vitro and reduce mitochondrial metabolic activity [70]. Numerous studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine preparations can regulate the liver cancer cell cycle, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and prevent the occurrence and development of liver cancer.

Research on Pei Zhengxue's Series of Formulas and Medications

3 Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer with Pei's Soft Liver and Anti-Bloating Pill