Gypenoside L inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting the AKT signaling pathway

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents significant treatment challenges due to limited efficacy and toxicity.
• Gynostemma pentaphyllum (JGL), a medicinal herb, exhibits anticancer properties, but its active compounds and mechanisms against OSCC require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify active compounds from JGL and investigate their therapeutic potential and mechanisms against OSCC.
• To evaluate the anticancer effects of Gypenoside L (Gyp L) on OSCC cells and in vivo models.

Main Methods:

• Network pharmacology was employed to screen JGL's active constituents, identifying Gyp L as a key compound targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
• In vitro assays (cell viability, flow cytometry, tumorsphere formation) and in vivo xenograft models were used to assess Gyp L's efficacy.
• Molecular docking and Western blotting were utilized to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and pathway activity.

Main Results:

• Gyp L significantly inhibited OSCC cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest.
• Gyp L demonstrated in vivo anticancer activity by reducing tumor volume in xenograft models without significant systemic toxicity.
• Mechanistic studies revealed that Gyp L inhibits the AKT signaling pathway by reducing phosphorylated AKT levels.

Conclusions:

• Gypenoside L is identified as a crucial anticancer component of JGL with therapeutic effects on OSCC.
• The primary mechanism of Gyp L's action involves the inhibition of the AKT pathway.
• These findings support the potential of Gyp L as a natural therapeutic agent or adjuvant therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma.