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Dioscin Induces Gallbladder Cancer Apoptosis by Inhibiting ROS-Mediated PI3K/AKT Signalling

Xiaoling Song1,2, Zheng Wang1,2, Haibin Liang1,2

  • 1Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

International Journal of Biological Sciences
|June 29, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Dioscin (DSN) inhibits gallbladder cancer (GBC) cell growth and migration by inducing apoptosis. This natural compound targets reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the PI3K/AKT pathway, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for GBC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis.
  • The biliary tract's most common cancer, GBC, necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of GBC progression is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-cancer effects of dioscin (DSN) on human GBC cells.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of DSN's action in GBC.
  • To explore the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the PI3K/AKT pathway in DSN-mediated GBC apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Cell proliferation and migration assays were performed.
  • Apoptosis was assessed via mitochondrial-dependent signaling pathways.
  • Western blot analysis was used to evaluate AKT activity.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured.

Main Results:

  • DSN significantly inhibited GBC cell proliferation and migration.
  • DSN induced GBC cell apoptosis through mitochondrial-dependent signaling.
  • ROS are essential for GBC progression, as ROS scavengers blocked DSN's effects.
  • DSN downregulated AKT activity, and AKT modulation affected DSN-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • DSN exhibits potent anti-cancer effects against human GBC cells.
  • DSN induces apoptosis by regulating ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling.
  • These findings suggest DSN as a potential therapeutic agent for gallbladder cancer.
Keywords:
apoptosisdioscingallbladder cancerreactive oxygen species.

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