Agrimonolide inhibits glycolysis in ovarian cancer cells by regulating HIF1A.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common tumors affecting females, significantly disrupting their quality of life. Agrimonolide, an extract derived from Agrimony (Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb.), has been shown to exert various regulatory effects on several diseases. Notably, recent studies indicate that Agrimonolide may attenuate the progression of ovarian cancer. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms of Agrimonolide in this context require further investigation. PURPOSE: To determine the significance of HIF1A as a key target in ovarian cancer and its potential underlying signaling pathway. METHODS: Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Glucose uptake and lactate production were measured using commercial kits, and the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) was evaluated. Protein expression levels were analyzed through western blotting. RESULTS: Our network pharmacology analysis identified HIF1A as a crucial target and signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, treatment with Agrimonolide (20 µM and 40 µM) inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells. Agrimonolide also reduced glycolytic activity in these cells. Additionally, Agrimonolide treatment led to decreased expression levels of HIF1A, HK2, and LDHA in ovarian cancer cells. Rescue assays revealed that glucose uptake and lactate production were diminished following Agrimonolide treatment; however, these effects were reversed upon overexpression of HIF1A. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Agrimonolide can suppress glycolysis in ovarian cancer cells by modulating HIF1A, supporting Agrimonolide as a promising therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer treatment.