Abstract
Background/Aim: We examined the inhibitory effect of mulberry leaf (ML) (Morus alba L.) administration on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in stelic animal model (STAM) mice. This STAM mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) closely resembles the progression from NASH to HCC in human clinical practice. Materials and Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ, 200 μg) was administered to C57L/6J mice that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; STAM mice) with 1% ML ad libitum. After sacrificing, the liver and blood were collected. Biochemical tests of plasma and histologic examination of the liver were performed. Results: Pathologic examination of all (6/6) liver samples of the STAM mice showed HCC. On the contrary, in STAM mice that received ML, fat deposition and adenoma were observed in 6/6 and 2/6 of the liver samples, respectively, but there was no HCC. Conclusion: Administration of ML in STAM mice inhibited the progression from nonalcoholic hepatitis (NASH) to HCC. ML may be effective in preventing the development of HCC.
- Mulberry
- stelic animal model
- high-fat diet
- streptozotocin
- nonalcoholic hepatitis
- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- hepatocellular carcinoma
- Received May 20, 2022.
- Revision received June 7, 2022.
- Accepted June 14, 2022.
- Copyright © 2022 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.
This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.