Elucidation of the reversal effect of baicalin on hepatocellular carcinoma-associated cachexia

Professor Feng, Yibin   (Principal Investigator (PI))

Dr Wang Ning   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Yuen Richard Man Fung   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Tan Hor Yue   (Co-Investigator)

24

2021-09-01

986440

Elucidation of the reversal effect of baicalin on hepatocellular carcinoma-associated cachexia

baicalin, cachexia, hepatocellular carcinoma, Interleukin-6

Others - Medicine, Dentistry and Health

18192141

Health and Medical Research Fund - Full Grant

2020

On-going

Objectives: Most advanced cancer patients are accompanied with substantial body weight and muscle mass loss which lead to poor prognosis and survival. It is estimated that more than 90% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients suffered from cachexia and these patients are associated with higher all-cause mortality. Thus HCC-associated cachexia not only deteriorates patients’ quality of life but also reduce the therapeutic benefits to the patients. Pro-inflammatory response provoked by tumor cells because of energy control, may in part, elicit the onset of cachexia. Therefore, developing a therapeutic agent that targeting on tumour-elicited inflammatory response may be promising for cancer-associated cachexia management. Our previous and preliminary data identified a naturally occurring flavonoid, majorly derived from Scutellaria baicalensis showed reversal effect on body weight and muscle mass loss in tumor bearing mice. As well, baicalin treatment significantly decreased circulating pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNFα in the mice. Hypothesis: Baicalin intervention suppresses tumor-induced inflammation, particularly IL-6 secretion, and subsequently attenuates the muscle wasting in hepatocellular carcinoma. Instruments: NA. Design, interventions, outcome measurement and data analysis: To test this, we aim to firstly, investigate how the suppressive role of baicalin on IL-6 impacts the in vitro muscle atrophy. Next, the in vivo efficacy and safety of baicalin alone or in combination with sorafenib in reversing muscle wasting in HCC will be systematically examined. Expected results: Successful demonstration of this study is expected to pre-clinically delineate the safe and effective use of a naturally occurring flavonoid baicalin in HCC-associated cachexia management.