Kale-Derived Nanovesicles and Dactolisib Promote Apoptosis in Liver Cancer Cells
Published in Drugs development & discovery, Journals, Nanomedicine.
A study published in Molecular Biology Reports on September 28, 2026 examines kale-derived exosome-like nanovesicles alongside dactolisib, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor. Fresh media coverage appeared on October 4, but the underlying experiment was published earlier.
Researchers tested the treatments in Hep3B liver cancer cells. The nanovesicles alone did not significantly lower cell viability, whereas the combination reduced viability and altered genes associated with survival and drug resistance. Flow cytometry and increased cleaved caspase-3 supported an apoptotic response.
Changes in oxidative stress and iron measurements led the authors to interpret the response as apoptosis rather than ferroptosis. They call for further investigation in additional liver cancer models.
These are cell-culture findings, not evidence of a treatment benefit in patients. Isolated laboratory nanovesicles also cannot be equated with eating kale. The study provides a starting point for testing a combination strategy, with broader effectiveness and safety still unresolved.
Source: Değirmenci et al., Molecular Biology Reports, September 28, 2026. DOI: 10.1007/s11033-026-12828-1.