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Piperine Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in HSC-3 Human Oral Cancer Cells by Regulating PI3K Signaling Pathway

Eun-Ji Han1, Eun-Young Choi1, Su-Ji Jeon1

  • 1Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Companion, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun 32439, Republic of Korea.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Piperine, a natural compound, effectively triggers apoptosis and autophagy in human oral cancer cells, inhibiting tumor growth. This suggests piperine

Area of Science:

  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Current oral cancer therapies present significant side effects.
  • Natural substances offer a promising avenue for developing novel cancer treatments.
  • Investigating natural compounds for targeted cancer therapy is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of piperine on apoptosis and autophagy in human oral cancer cells (HSC-3).
  • To evaluate the impact of piperine on oral cancer tumor growth in vivo.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying piperine's anticancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability assays (MTT assay) were performed on HSC-3 cells.
  • Apoptosis was assessed using DAPI staining, Annexin-V/PI staining, and Western blot analysis of apoptosis-related proteins.
  • Autophagy was confirmed by observing acidic vesicular organelles and autophagy marker proteins.
  • The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was investigated.
  • In vivo tumor growth inhibition was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Piperine significantly reduced the viability of HSC-3 oral cancer cells.
  • Piperine demonstrably induced apoptosis and autophagy in HSC-3 cells.
  • Piperine inhibited the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
  • Piperine suppressed oral cancer tumor growth in vivo through apoptosis and PI3K pathway inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • Piperine effectively induces apoptosis and autophagy in human oral cancer cells.
  • Piperine exhibits antitumor effects in vivo by inhibiting tumor growth via apoptosis and PI3K signaling.
  • Piperine holds potential as a natural anticancer agent for oral cancer treatment.
Keywords:
PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathwayanticancer effectsapoptosisautophagyoral cancerpiperine

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