Fig. 6From: Icaritin promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation by down-regulating AFP gene expression in hepatocellular carcinomaModel for p53 regulating AFP gene expression and its role in icaritin induced HCC inhibition. P53 can negatively regulate AFP expression through direct binding to the promoter of AFP. Icaritin abrogates Mdm2-mediated p53 degradation through down-regulating Mdm2 protein expression and inhibiting the interaction between p53 and Mdm2. The stabilized p53 then inhibits AFP transcription and lead to AFP protein decrease. AFP protein downregulation then inhibits hepatocellular proliferation and promotes hepatocellular apoptosis. Overall, icaritin suppresses cell growth and promotes cell apoptosis through Mdm2/p53–AFP pathwayBack to article page