Evaluation of the anti-neoplastic activity of tributyrin alone or in combination with sorafenib in Fischer 344 and Nude rowett rats

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most frequent type of cancer in the world, and is the third leading cause of mortality due to its low rate of remission. Therefore, it is important to develop chemopreventive strategies in order to reduce reappearance of HCC together with treatment of the primary neoplasia. Tributyrin (TB) showed chemopreventive activity when administered during the initiation and promotion, or only promotion, phases of experimental chemical carcinogenesis. TB caused a reduction in incidence and size of preneoplastic lesions, as well as induction of apoptosis and hyperacetylation of histones. Sorafenib is an efficacious chemotherapeutic agent used for treatment of many different cancers, including HCC. However, there are reports of patients resistant to sorafenib treatment. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the potential anti-neoplastic action of TB (or placebo) in association with sorafenib during the progression phase of hepatocarcinogenesis. The expectation is that TB will potentiate the effects of sorafenib. (AU)