Abstract
Cancer stem cell hypothesis suggests that cancer stem cells possess a limitless capacity to replicate into cancer cells. This work used CD44 and CD90 antibodies to characterise liver stem cells using flow cytometry; evaluate β-catenin and Smad 2,3,7 expression in injured and non-injured liver tissues, and examine the effects of curcumin/taurine treatment on liver stem cells propagation. Three rat liver damage models were established: non-injected controls. Rats were given CCL4 intraperitoneally 3 times a week for four weeks. Rats were injected intravenously with HCV and HBV-infected human serum three times a week for four weeks. Injured and non-injured liver tissues were cultured to characterize and treat stem cells. Day 12 show notable increase in liver stem cell markers and β-catenin and Smad 2,3,7 expression in injured relative to non-injured liver tissues. After taurine and curcumin treatment, β-catenin, Smad 2,3,7 expression, as well as CD90 and CD44 markers, were significantly lower in treated cells than in untreated ones. Findings offer proof that taurine and/or curcumin therapy may be able to lessen the severity of liver damage brought on by chemicals and/or biological processes. Furthermore, this combination therapy that specifically targets non-malignant liver cells can be a successful preventive and therapeutic strategy for liver cancer.