Anti-Tumor Potential of AEV01 in Glioma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: In Vitro and Xenograft Model Studies.
Gliomas and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are aggressive cancers with poor prognoses, often leading to less than a year of survival. Therapeutic resistance underscores the need for novel therapeutic strategies. AEV01, derived from Picrorhiza kurroa, has shown promise as a potential anticancer agent. In this context, the current study aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy and safety profile of AEV01 both in vitro and in vivo in glioblastoma and HCC models. Briefly, cytotoxicity and apoptosis were assessed using MTT assays and AO/EtBr staining, while ELISA and immunofluorescence measured inflammatory markers, TP53 and CD36 expression. In vivo, ELISA was performed against the inflammatory and tumor suppressor markers while, histopathological analysis assessed tumor morphology and organ toxicity. AEV01 exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against U-87 MG glioblastoma and HepG2 liver cancer cells, with optimal concentrations at 400 {micro}g and 300 {micro}g respectively. Treatment downregulated inflammatory markers, CD36 expression and concomitantly increased TP53 expression. Xenograft models depicted similar results, with reduced tumor markers expression, reduced tissue architecture, and no significant organ toxicity. Thus, AEV01 demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity with a favorable safety profile, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for gliomas and HCC, warranting further clinical investigation.