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Rhein shows potent efficacy against non-small-cell lung cancer through inhibiting the STAT3 pathway

Lehe Yang1,2,3, Jifa Li1, Lingyuan Xu1,2,3

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, People's Republic of China, zhaochengguang@wmu.edu.cn, 873331666@qq.com.

Cancer Management and Research
|February 19, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Rhein effectively combats non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 pathway, showing promise as a novel antitumor agent.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent cancer with poor prognosis, often diagnosed at advanced stages.
  • The Interleukin-6/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) pathway is crucial in NSCLC development.
  • Rhein, a natural compound from medicinal herbs, exhibits potential antitumor properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of Rhein on NSCLC.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of Rhein's action, focusing on the IL-6/STAT3 pathway.
  • To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of Rhein in NSCLC models.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed Rhein's impact on NSCLC cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression using cell-based assays.
  • Analyzed protein expression levels of STAT3, apoptosis regulators (Bcl-2, Bax), and cell cycle proteins (MDM2, CDC2, P53, CyclinB1) via Western blotting.
  • Evaluated Rhein's anti-tumor effect in vivo using NSCLC xenograft models.

Main Results:

  • Rhein significantly reduced NSCLC cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Rhein inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, upregulated Bax, and downregulated Bcl-2 expression.
  • Rhein caused G2/M cell cycle arrest and inhibited tumor growth in xenograft models.

Conclusions:

  • Rhein demonstrates potent anti-NSCLC activity by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway.
  • Rhein effectively suppresses NSCLC proliferation and induces apoptosis.
  • Rhein holds promise as a potential novel therapeutic agent for NSCLC treatment.
Keywords:
EGFRNSCLCRheinSTAT3apoptosisdiacereininhibitor

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