Inhibitory Effect of Coadministration of Silibinin and CpG-ODN2006 on Metastatic Characteristics (MMP-2 and TLR-9) of Hepatocarcinoma Cell Line

Background and purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a most common liver malignancy and TLR9 (Toll-like receptor) is essential for CpG DNA-induced immune responses. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-metastatic effects of combined administration of silibinin and CpG-ODN2006 on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2 cell line model.  Materials and methods: Inhibitory effects of various different concentrations of silibinin and CpG-ODN2006 on HepG-2 cells growth and detection of best dosages for simultaneously treatment were assessed by MTT method. Expression of MMP2 and TLR9 genes was analyzed by real- time PCR. Gelatin zymography was used to determine the activity of MMP2. Results: Inhibitory effects of determined concentrations of silibinin (100 μM) and CpG-ODN2006 (100 nM) on HepG-2 cells growth was significant (p<0.05). Real-Time PCR showed no significant differences between Ct of the genes expression analyses. Conclusion: Conclusion:  Collectively, the data in this study supports the idea of combined silibinin-CpG administration in hepatic cancer customized therapeutic modalities. However, more investigations to assess immunomodulatory effects and safety analyses would be very informative steps in advance of randomized clinical trials.