ABSTRACT
Aim To explore the mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resistance to aspirin and its anti-cancer effect, so as to provide new ideas and potential possibilities for clinical prevention and treatment. Methods The HCC rat model was induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). The pathological changes of rat liver were observed by HE staining. The expressions of AMPK, LC3, mTOR, Beclin-1, and TFEB proteins were detected by Western blot. HCC cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 assay. Apoptosis were measured by immunofluorescence assay. Results Aspirin significantly inhibited the development of DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma and decreased liver/body weight ratio compared with model group. Aspirin significantly increased the expressions of LC3, Beclin-1, TFEB and AMPK. The combination of aspirin and AMPK inhibitor significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation and increased HCC cell apoptosis. Conclusions The combination of aspirin and AMPK inhibitor can significantly enhance the inhibitory effect of aspirin on HCC.