Hepatitis B virus infection is a worldwide disease and is still the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Those carriers in China account for 33% of all chronic carriers globally. A big epidemiological study of patients with chronic hepatitis B has revealed that baseline HBV DNA level or cirrhosis is an independent predictor for the occurrence of HCC.~Antroquinonol is a new chemical entity isolated from the mycelium of Antrodia camphorata, which showed interesting anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities.Previous studies have indicated that signaling molecules, such as PI3K, AMPK, and mTOR, participate in Antroquinonol-induced cancer cell death, whereas Nrf2 and NF-kB are involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of Antroquinonol. Moreover, we also found the administration of Antroquinonol also differentially modulated T cell activity and reduced IL-18 production, but enhanced the activation of Nrf2 and, thus, suppressed oxidative stress by animal studies. These results demonstrate the potential applications of Antroquinonol in treating hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B virus infection is a worldwide disease and is still the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Existing treatments for hepatitis B infection have various side-effects including renal toxicity and drug resistance or failure.