Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 23, 2026

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
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Giganteaside D induces ROS-mediated apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the MAPK pathway

Junshan Liu1, Xiduan Wei1, Yafeng Wu2

  • 1School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.

Cellular Oncology (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|March 27, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Giganteaside D (GD) effectively inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell growth and induces apoptosis. This natural compound shows promise as a novel HCC chemotherapeutic agent by activating cell death pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affects nearly one million individuals annually, with high mortality due to chemo-resistance and toxic side effects of current treatments.
  • There is a critical need for novel, more effective anti-HCC agents to improve patient outcomes.
  • Giganteaside D (GD), a saponin derived from P. scabiosaefolia, is investigated for its potential anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of giganteaside D (GD) in inhibiting the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.
  • To investigate the mechanisms underlying GD's effects on HCC cell apoptosis and survival.

Main Methods:

  • MTT and clonogenic assays were employed to assess the growth inhibitory effects of GD on HCC cell lines (HepG2, Bel-7402).
  • Mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis was analyzed by measuring mitochondrial potential, Caspase-9, Caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and Cytochrome C release.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (Erk, JNK) were investigated.

Main Results:

  • GD demonstrated significant growth inhibition in HepG2 and Bel-7402 HCC cell lines.
  • GD induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, evidenced by decreased mitochondrial potential and activation of key apoptotic markers.
  • GD treatment increased ROS generation and modulated MAPK signaling (decreased p-Erk, increased p-JNK), influencing apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Giganteaside D (GD) effectively induces apoptosis in HCC-derived cells via ROS generation and the MAPK pathway.
  • These findings suggest that GD holds potential as a novel chemotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Keywords:
Giganteaside DHepatocellular carcinomaMitochondrial apoptosisMitogen activated protein kinaseReactive oxygen species

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