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Published on: July 17, 2018
Licochalcone A inhibits glioma migration, invasion, and growth by triggering mitochondrial dysfunction and
Chao Yu1,2, Deyan Yang3, Nannan Li4
1Department of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Glioma is a common malignant tumor in nervous system, but the treatment efficacy is still unsatisfactory. Licochalcone A (Lic-A) is a kind of flavonoid isolated from glycyrrhiza and shows anti-tumor effect. This study aimed to investigate anti-tumor efficacy of Lic-A on glioma using both in vivo and in vitro models. The in vitro results showed that Lic-A inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion of glioma cells in a dose-dependent way. Lic-A induced mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating Bcl-2 family and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), while ROS inhibition enhanced the migration and invasion of glioma cells. Finally, animal experiments confirmed that Lic-A inhibited the growth of glioma in vivo. In conclusion, our results suggest that Lic-A can inhibit the migration and invasion of glioma cells while inducing apoptosis of glioma cells. The mechanism may be related to the activation of ATM/ATR pathway and the induction of oxidative stress.
Insights
Licochalcone A (Lic-A) effectively inhibits glioma cell growth, migration, and invasion. This natural compound induces apoptosis and oxidative stress, offering a promising avenue for glioma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioma is a prevalent and aggressive central nervous system malignancy with limited therapeutic options.
- Licochalcone A (Lic-A), a flavonoid from Glycyrrhiza, exhibits potential anti-tumor properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-glioma efficacy of Licochalcone A (Lic-A) in vitro and in vivo.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Lic-A's anti-tumor activity in glioma.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies assessed glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Mitochondrial function, Bcl-2 family regulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were analyzed.
- In vivo experiments utilized animal models to confirm Lic-A's effect on glioma growth.
Main Results:
- Lic-A significantly inhibited glioma cell growth, migration, and invasion in a dose-dependent manner.
- Lic-A induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, mediated by ROS production.
- ROS inhibition exacerbated glioma cell migration and invasion, highlighting the role of oxidative stress.
- In vivo studies confirmed Lic-A's ability to suppress glioma tumor growth.
Conclusions:
- Licochalcone A demonstrates significant anti-glioma activity by inhibiting cell migration and invasion.
- The anti-tumor effects of Lic-A are linked to the induction of glioma cell apoptosis and oxidative stress, potentially via ATM/ATR pathway activation.

