Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of se-methylselenocysteine (MSC) on oncogenesis of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS A hepatocellular carcinoma rat model was established by administering DEN. Rat models were divided into Model (0.1 mg/kg MSC), Model+0.3 mg/kg MSC, Model+1 mg/kg MSC, and Model+3 mg/kg MSC groups. A Normal control group consisted of mice not administered MSC. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to determine liver injury. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to identify CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. VEGF gene transcription was detected with RT-PCR. Biochemical analyses were performed to determine alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin levels in serum, and nitric oxide (NO)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in liver tissues. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultra-microstructures of hepatocytes. RESULTS MSC treatment markedly alleviated liver injury and nuclear lesions in the treatment groups compared to the Model group. MSC treatment significantly improved liver functions in the treatment groups compared to the Model group (P<0.05). MSC treatment significantly decreased CD34 expression and NO and NOS levels in liver tissues and suppressed VEGF expression compared to the Model group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS MSC administration alleviated liver injury in a DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma rat model through reducing liver enzymes, inhibiting angiogenesis, and suppressing the NO/NOS signaling pathway.