Unraveling the therapeutic potential of Calculus Bovis in liver cancer: A novel step for targeted cancer treatment

World J Gastroenterol. 2025 Jan 21;31(3):99358. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i3.99358.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, and effective treatments are urgently needed. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Calculus Bovis (CB) on liver cancer and the underlying mechanisms. CB inhibited M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization and modulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the proliferation of liver cancer cells. The inhibitory effect on liver cancer growth was confirmed by both in vivo and in vitro experiments (detailed by Huang et al). The present study provides a theoretical basis for the application of CB for the treatment of liver cancer, providing new avenues for liver cancer treatment.

Keywords: Calculus Bovis; Liver cancer; M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization; Tumor microenvironment; Wnt/β-catenin Pathway.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation* / drug effects
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages / drug effects
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages / immunology
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway* / drug effects
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays