Suppression of NASH-Related HCC by Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor through Inhibition of Inflammation and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Expression

Inflammatory processes play major roles in carcinogenesis and the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) derived from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). But, there are no therapies for NASH-related HCC, especially focusing on these critical steps. Previous studies have reported that farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. However, the influence of FTIs on NASH-related HCC has not been elucidated. In hepatoblastoma and HCC cell lines, HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh-7, we confirmed the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, an accelerator of tumor aggressiveness and the inflammatory response. We established NASH-related HCC models under inflammation and free fatty acid burden and confirmed that HIF-1α expression was increased under both conditions. Tipifarnib, which is an FTI, strongly suppressed increased HIF-1α, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis. Simultaneously, intracellular interleukin-6 as an inflammation marker was increased under both conditions and significantly suppressed by tipifarnib. Additionally, tipifarnib suppressed the expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB and transforming growth factor-β. Finally, in a NASH-related HCC mouse model burdened with diethylnitrosamine and a high-fat diet, tipifarnib significantly reduced tumor nodule formation in association with decreased serum interleukin-6. In conclusion, tipifarnib has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects in a NASH-related HCC model and may be a promising new agent to treat this disease.