Effect of forsythin in inhibiting renal cell carcinoma via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of forsythin in inhibiting the growth, migration and invasion of human renal cancer cells (786-0). Methods Human renal cancer cells (786-0) were cultured in vitro, and different concentrations of forsythin were added. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay, cell apoptosis was detected by AO/EB assay, cell migration and invasion abilities were respectively investigated by wound healing and transwell migration assays. The expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, FOXO3a, p-FOXO3a, p21, p27, Fasl, Bim, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were detected by Western bloting. Results:In 786-0 cells, forsythin effectively inhibited the growth of renal cancer cells, promoted apoptosis, interfered with cell cycle, and upregulated expression levels of p21, p27, Fasl, and Bim, when compared with control group (P < 0.05, 0.01); Compared with the control group, different concentrations of forsythin can significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of renal cancer cells, and reduce the synthesis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P < 0.05, 0.01). Meanwhile, forsythin can significantly inhibit the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and FOXO3a in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05, 0.01). Conclusion: Forsythin can regulate apoptosis and cell cycle, and inhibit the growth of renal cancer cells by down-regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. At the same time, forsythin can effectively inhibit the ability of renal cell migration and invasion through the PI3K/Akt pathway.