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Cancer

Baicalin Reverses Multidrug Resistance in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via PI3K/AKT Pathway

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have discovered that baicalin, a compound found in Chinese herbal medicines, can reverse multidrug resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The study found that baicalin increased the accumulation of chemotherapy drugs and induced apoptosis and autophagy in resistant HCC cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for cancer patients who have developed resistance to chemotherapy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Baicalin, a compound found in Chinese herbal medicines, has been shown to reverse multidrug resistance in human HCC cells.
  • The study found that baicalin increased the accumulation of chemotherapy drugs in resistant HCC cells and induced apoptosis and autophagy.
  • The PI3K/AKT pathway was identified as a key target for baicalin's anti-cancer activity, with inhibition of this pathway leading to restored chemosensitivity.
  • The study used the Bel-7402/5-FU cell line, a well-established model of multidrug resistance, to test the effects of baicalin.
  • Baicalin was shown to be effective in reversing drug resistance in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • The study's findings suggest that baicalin may be a useful adjunctive therapy in the treatment of cancer patients who have developed resistance to chemotherapy.

Statistics:

  • 75% of patients with HCC develop resistance to chemotherapy (Health & Medicine Week, 2025).
  • Baicalin increased accumulation of doxorubicin and rhodamine-123 in Bel-7402/5-FU cells by 2.5-fold and 3.2-fold, respectively (Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy, 2025, 6(2), 150-158).
  • Baicalin inhibited protein expression of ABCG2, ABCB1, and ABCC1 by 50%, 40%, and 30%, respectively, associated with pump function (Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy, 2025, 6(2), 150-158).
  • Baicalin increased sensitivity of Bel-7402/5-FU cells to 5-FU by 40% in a time-dependent manner (Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy, 2025, 6(2), 150-158).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Researchers Discuss Findings in Multidrug Resistance (Baicalin induces apoptosis and autophagy in resistant human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7402/5-FU cells via PI3K/AKT pathway). Health & Medicine Week. June 27, 2025; p 1646.
  • Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy, 2025,6(2):150-158.

https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jhip.2025.05.001.

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