Thymoquinone-conjugated liposomes improve cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects against hepatocellular cancer by altering the EGFR/ERK/MEK signaling axis.

ABSTRACT: Modulating the signaling axis between tumors and their environment is one of the key strategies to slow down the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to design a polyethylene glycolated liposome loaded with thymoquinone (PEG-TQ-LP) as a delivery system to investigate its effect on HCC progression and the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. The study revealed the inhibitory effects of PEG-TQ-LP on the proliferation of HCC cells and facilitated apoptosis. The observed effect can be explained by the increased expression of BAX and the decreased expression of BCL2. The activation of p38-MAPK has been implicated in the anti-oncogenic impact of PEG-TQ-LP. This activation was correlated with the dephosphorylation of MEK and ERK. The in vivo study confirme

SUBMITTER: Abdulmalek SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12537641 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature