The Anti-Cancer Effects of Hydatid Cyst: A Review

The Anti-Cancer Effects of Hydatid Cyst: A Review Hydatid cysts, caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, are traditionally recognized for their role in zoonotic diseases(۱). However, recent research has uncovered a potentially transformative role for hydatid cysts in cancer treatment. This review explores the anti-cancer properties of hydatid cyst antigens. Methods We performed a literature review using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on the keywords "hydatid cyst," "Echinococcus granulosus," and "anti-cancer," analyzing articles from ۲۰۰۰ to ۲۰۲۳ on the anti-cancer effects of hydatid cysts. ۱. Induction of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells by Hydatid Cyst Fluid Antigens Daneshpour et al. (۲۰۱۹) studied the impact of hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) antigens on apoptosis in mouse breast cancer (۴T۱) cells. They found that HCF antigens significantly induced apoptosis, with the ۷۸ KDa and glycoprotein fractions being the most effective. The ۷۸ KDa fraction led to ۴۶.۵% apoptosis, while glycoprotein and crude HCF resulted in ۴۱% and ۳۹%, respectively. This research suggests that HCF may serve as a therapeutic agent to selectively cause cancer cell death, potentially reducing side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. ۲. Immune Modulation and Anti-Tumor Effects of Hydatid Cyst Wall Antigens Shakibapour et al. (۲۰۲۰) investigated the immunomodulatory effects of hydatid cyst wall (HCW) antigens in breast cancer-bearing mice. Their findings revealed that HCW antigens significantly elevated Th۱ cytokines (IL-۲, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and the Th۲ cytokine IL-۴. This increase was associated with reduced tumor growth, lower metastasis rates, and improved survival. Notably, the ۲۷ kDa protein band from HCW exhibited the strongest effects, indicating its potential as a crucial component in future cancer immunotherapies. ۳. Protoscolex Antigens and Their Cytotoxic Effects on Cancer Cells In a recent study by Asouli et al. (۲۰۲۳), the focus was on protoscolex antigens from hydatid cysts and their effects on K۵۶۲ cancer cells. The results demonstrated that these antigens could induce apoptosis in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The highest concentration of protoscolex antigens (۲ mg/ml) proved particularly effective, suggesting their potential development into a targeted cancer therapy that spares normal tissues. Conclusion Research shows that hydatid cyst components—like fluid, cyst wall, and protoscolex antigens—may have anti-cancer properties. They could inspire new therapies by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, altering immune responses, and targeting tumors. More studies are needed to understand the mechanisms and create effective treatments using these antigens. Studying parasitic infections, once seen as purely harmful, might uncover new cancer therapies that are more effective and less toxic than traditional options. Discussion The antitumor potential of hydatid cysts is opening new avenues for cancer therapies. Studies indicate that Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid, cyst wall antigens, and protoscolex antigens possess significant anti-cancer properties. Most research has focused on preclinical models through in vitro and animal studies. Successful results could lead to challenging human clinical trials, necessitating the development of consistent antigen preparations, dosing schedules, and strategies to mitigate adverse effects in humans. Overal, hydatid cyst components may provide promising cancer treatment options without compromising patient health. This underscores the need for continued exploration and advancement from concept to clinical trials.

کلیدواژه ها:

hydatid cyst ، Echinococcus granulosus ، anti-cancer