Identification of HO-1/CO-induced tumor protective genes in HCC

Background and Aims: Induction or over-expression of the heme degrading enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) has been shown to interfere with acute and chronic hepatitis in mice. On the other hand, HO-1 has been found to be over-expressed in tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here the anti-apoptotic HO-1 product CO protects tumor cells from apoptosis. Our aim was to identify mediators of CO-induced protection as specific targets for tumor therapy. Methods: Freshly isolated primary mouse hepatocytes (PH) were incubated in the presence of the CO donor methylene chloride (MC) for 2 to 6 hours. Apoptosis wa…