RESUMO
AIM: To investigate the effects of andrographolide on the invasion and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3, and to explore the possible mechanisms.METHODS: SKOV-3 cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20 or 40 μmol/L) of andrographolide for different time (12, 24, 36 or 48 h), and then the cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay.The cell invasion ability was analyzed by Transwell assay and cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.The protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR were examined by Western blot.RESULTS: The results of CCK-8 assay revealed that andrographolide inhibited the growth of SKOV-3 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.Treatment with andrographolide at 20 μmol/L for 36 h significantly decreased the invasion ability of SKOV-3 cells, while increased cell apoptosis.In addition, the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR were reduced after andrographolide treatment.CONCLUSION: Andrographolide inhibits the growth and invasion of ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells by suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.