Warburg Effect and Type II Glucose Transporter Inhibitors as a Potential Targeted Therapy for Liver Cancer: A Review.

Cancer cells demonstrate enhanced survival owing to the underlying metabolic changes that accelerate tumor growth. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells exhibit the Warburg effect, a hallmark of cancer metabolism associated with aberrant proliferation. This review critically assesses the existing obstacles in developing selective type II glucose transporter GLUT-2 inhibitors, examining the inhibition of GLUT-2 by natural extracts and synthesized compounds. Liver cells regulate glucose uptake and release via GLUT-2. Dysregulated GLUT-2 expression in HCC increases glucose absorption and metabolism, thereby fueling tumor growth. Targeting inhibition of GLUT-2 may delay tumor development and improve therapeutic sensitivity by preventing glucose uptake by cancer cells. Natural and synthetic chemicals that specifically limit GLUT-2 activity are promising GLUT-2 inhibitors. GLUT-2 inhibitors must be engineered with precision to specifically target GLUT-2 while avoiding interference with other GLUT functions. Targeted therapy is complicated by difficulties in determining the mechanisms underlying GLUT-2 dysregulation in various malignancies. New HCC treatments require a deep understanding of GLUT-2 and cancer metabolism as well as advances in pharmacological research and development. Conclusively, the targeting of GLUT-2 is a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC. Understanding the intricate role of GLUT-2 in the pathophysiology of HCC may lead to the development of tailored therapies for patients with HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]