Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl Leaf Metabolites Potentiate the Radiosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Ki67 and PARP Inhibition - Abstract

Sep 23, 2026

Objectives, Methods, Results, and Conclusion describe how Washingtonia robusta (W. robusta) leaf extract formulated as a nanoemulsion (NE) enhances radiotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a rat model induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). LC-MS profiling, in vitro safety and anticancer testing in OEC and HepG2 cells, and in vivo DEN exposure followed by NE dosing and fractionated 2 Gy×4 irradiation were performed. NE plus irradiation reduced ALT, proteins, albumin, AFP, and GGT, and lowered Ki67 and PARP1 expression, with histology supporting a combined radiosensitizing effect.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages17

Reading Time43 min

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Abstract

Objectives

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keywords

Background and rationale

Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl Leaf Metabolites Potentiate the Radiosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Ki67 and PARP Inhibition Integrative Cancer Therapies Volume 24: 1–17 © The Author(s) 2025 Article reuse guidelines: [sagepub.com/journals-permissions](sagepub.com/journals-permissions)[ ](sagepub.com/journals-permissions)[DOI: 10.1177/15347354241308858](DOI: 10.1177/15347354241308858)[ ](DOI: 10.1177/15347354241308858)[journals.sagepub.com/home/ict](journals.sagepub.com/home/ict) Nabil M. Selim, PhD 1, Seham S. El-Hawary, PhD 1, Soheir M. El Zalabani, PhD 1, Rehab Nabil Shamma, PhD 1, Nariman El Sayed Mahdy, PhD 1, Noheir H. Sherif, PhD2,3, Khayrya A. Youssif, PhD4, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, PhD5,6, Mai H. Mekkawy, PhD2, and Hanan A. Fahmy, PhD2 Abstract Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the third-most prevalent cancer in humans worldwide. The current study’s objective is to search for the potentiality of Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl (W. robusta) leaf extract in ananoemulsion (NE) form in enhancing radiotherapy against HCC induced in rats using diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Material and methods: The metabolic composition of the bioactive extract of W. robusta leaves was investigated by LC-MS. Oral epithelial (OEC) and liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines were used to examine the safety and anticancer activity of the NE, respectively. In the in vivo study, HCC was induced in male albino rats through administration of DEN in drinking water for 8 weeks, then treatment with NE (100 mg/kg) until the experiment’s ending. Rats were irradiated by a fractionated dose of 2Gy*4. Results: NE exerted remarkable cytotoxicity in comparison to the parent extract and the standard doxorubicinon the HepG2 cell line. Besides, the NE administration and/or γ-irradiation (IRR) significantly reduced the elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total proteins, and albumin levels in HCC-induced rats. Likewise, the tumor markers alphafetoprotein (AFP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were considerably reduced in HCC rats. In addition, NE treatment before IRR significantly decreased the expression of the poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1) enzyme and Ki67. Furthermore, the histological investigations strongly confirmed the combined effect of NE and IRR in fighting DENinduced HCC. Conclusion: NE of W. robusta extract may possess a radiosensitizing novel impact and provide a new strategy to combat HCC in clinical practices. Keywords Washingtonia robusta nanoemulsion, gamma radiation, hepatocellular carcinoma, metabolic composition, radiosensitizing effect Submitted July 14, 2024; revised November 30, 2024; accepted December 6, 2024 The most frequent liver epithelial cancer, HCC, is the thirdmost prevalent cancer worldwide and fifth among cancersin general.1 Over the last few years, the incidence rate of HCC has risen, increasing the frequency with which it spreads in Egypt. The development of HCC may be influenced by a number of factors such as cigarette smoking, occupational chemical exposure as pesticides and paints, and endemic illness in the neighborhood, including schistosomiasis.2 One of the most significant cancer-causing agents in animal models is DEN. It is known to modify the enzymes required for DNA replication and repair. Through the development of the pre-neoplastic localized lesions, DEN influences the initiation stage of carcinogenesis during a time of enhanced cell proliferation coupled with hepatic necrosis, resulting in DNA strand breakage, DNA carcinogen adducts, and HCC without cirrhosis.3 AFP is formed by embryonic endoderm cells during the fetal stage. Following birth, AFP production is significantly lowered. An increase in AFP is used as one of the metrics for screening HCC in chronic hepatitis patients, as well as one of the diagnostic criteria for HCC.4 Aside from AFP, Creative Commons Non Commercial CC BY-NC: This article is distributed under the terms of th

FAQs

What is the main objective of the study on Washingtonia robusta leaf extract?

To evaluate whether Washingtonia robusta leaf extract in nanoemulsion form can enhance radiotherapy effectiveness against hepatocellular carcinoma induced in rats.

How was the extract characterized and tested for anticancer activity?

The metabolic composition was investigated by LC-MS, and safety and anticancer activity were examined using oral epithelial (OEC) and liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines.

Which biomarkers and molecular targets were affected by nanoemulsion and irradiation?

Nanoemulsion and/or gamma irradiation significantly lowered ALT, total proteins, albumin, tumor markers AFP and GGT, and reduced PARP1 enzyme expression and Ki67 when NE was given before irradiation.

Sep 23, 2026

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