ABSTRACT
【Objective】 To investigate the effect of Polymerized human cord hemoglobin (PolyCHb) on the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma grafts to lumvalatinib in nude mice. 【Methods】 Hep3B hepatoma cells were subcutaneously transplanted in 18 nude mice to establish tumor graft model. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (the saline 90 mg·kg-1·d-1), monotherapy group (Lenvatinib10 mg·kg-1·d-1), and sensitized group (Lenvatinib mg·kg-1·d-1, polyCHB 600 mg/kg twice a week) for 28 days. The tumor volume was measured regularly and the growth curve was drawn. On day 29, the nude mice were sacrificed, the tumor was stripped and weighed, and the pathomorphological differences of each group were evaluated by HE section staining. The expression levels of hypoxia-inducing factor (HIF-1α), CD34, VEGF, CD44, MMP-9, and Glut-1 in tumor tissues of each group were determined by immunohistochemistry. The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor tissues of each group was determined by dihydroethyl ingot method. 【Results】 The tumor growth rate and tumor volume in the sensitized group decreased significantly compared with the control group and the solo drug group. On day 29, the tumor volumes of the control group, the monotherapy group and the sensitization group were (2 076.46±350.25)mm3, (1 035.96±84.16)mm3 and (892.66±104.46)mm3, respectively. Tumor weight was (1.61±0.52)g, (0.45±0.10)g, and (0.34±0.13)g, respectively. Immunohistochemical score of HIF-1α was 75±23 vs 45±18 vs 18±11, VEGF was 52±8 vs 67±16 vs 35±4, CD34 was 40±7 vs 50±13 vs 28±7, CD44 was 37±15 vs 30±7 vs 15±3, Glut-1 was 74±41 vs 51±30 vs 14±18, MMP-9 was 51±7 vs 62±20 vs 33±3, respectively(P<0.05). The malignant degree of the sensitized group was decreased by HE section staining, which was significantly lower than that of the solo drug group and the control. The ROS content in the sensitized group was higher than that in the solo drug group and the control. 【Conclusion】 PolyCHb can reduce the expression of HIF-1α and its downstream pathway related molecules by increasing oxygenation of hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in nude mice, delay tumor growth and reduce tumor volume in a certain period, thus increase the therapeutic effect of lenvalatinib on hepatocellular carcinoma grafts in tumor bearing nude mice models.