Dihydroxyxanthone promote cell pyroptosis and inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of dihydroxyxanthone on the pyroptosis, proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were divided into four groups. No drug intervention cell was used in blank group, 5 μmol/L dihydroxycarbazone was used in low dose group, 10 μmol/L dihydroxycarbazone was used in medium dose group, and 20 μmol/L dihydroxycarbazone was used in high dose group. Then the cell survival rate, pyroptosis and metastasis, as well as pyroptosis protein expression were detected. Results After intervention with dihydroxyxanthone, the survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma cells decreased significantly (100% in blank group, 75.36% in low dose group, 52.64% in middle dose group, 35.56% in high dose group, 7.14) and the pyroptosis rate (3.10% in blank group, 9.86% in low dose group, 15.56% in middle dose group, 21.58% in high dose group, and 3.55)increased significantly. Invasion inhibition rate was significantly increased [0% in blank group, (26.85±8.63)% in low-dose group, (48.96±10.57)% in middle-dose group and (69.85±10.14)% in high-dose group], and the expression levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease (Caspase)-1, interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β were significantly increased. These effects are dose-dependent with dihydroxyxanthone. Conclusion Dihydroxyxanthone inhibits the proliferation, metastasis and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and the mechanism is related to the induction of pyroptosis. Key words: Dihydroxyxanthone; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Pyroptosis