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Semilicoisoflavone B Induces Apoptosis of Oral Cancer Cells by Inducing ROS Production and Downregulating MAPK and

Ming-Ju Hsieh1,2,3, Hsin-Yu Ho1, Yu-Sheng Lo1

  • 1Oral Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Semilicoisoflavone B (SFB), a natural compound, effectively reduces oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) viability by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. SFB shows potential as a novel anticancer agent for treating OSCC.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer with poor prognosis in advanced stages.
  • Current treatments for advanced OSCC have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticancer effects of semilicoisoflavone B (SFB), a natural phenolic compound from Glycyrrhiza species, on OSCC.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SFB's anti-OSCC activity.

Main Methods:

  • OSCC cell lines were treated with SFB to assess effects on cell viability, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis.
  • Key proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis pathways (caspases, Bcl-2 family, death receptors), and signaling cascades (AKT, MAPK, Ras/Raf/MEK) were analyzed.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and survivin expression were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • SFB significantly reduced OSCC cell viability by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
  • SFB activated caspases and PARP, modulated Bcl-2 family proteins, and upregulated death receptor pathway components (FAS, FADD, TRADD).
  • SFB increased ROS production, reduced phosphorylation of AKT and MAPKs, suppressed Ras/Raf/MEK signaling, and downregulated survivin.

Conclusions:

  • Semilicoisoflavone B exhibits potent anticancer properties against OSCC by targeting cell cycle and apoptosis.
  • SFB's mechanism involves ROS generation, modulation of key signaling pathways, and downregulation of survivin.
  • SFB represents a promising candidate for clinical development as an anticancer agent for oral cancer.
Keywords:
MAPKROSRas/Raf/MEKoral squamous cell carcinomasemilicoisoflavone Bsurvivin

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