Effects of glabridin on cell proliferation and long non-coding RNA expression in HEC-1B cells

Abstract

Purpose: Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers in the world. Glabridin is a main isoflavone in Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root. It has several therapeutic effects such as anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a role in a variety of cellular processes, and their abnormal expression may contribute to tumor development and progression. In this study, the effects of glabridin on LncRNAs gene expression and viability of HEC-1B human endometrial cancer cell lines have been investigated. 
 Materials and methods: Glabridin was applied to HEC-1B cells in concentrations of 1 μM, 10 μM, 20 μM, 40 μM, 60 μM, and 80 μM. Glabridin's effect on HEC-1B cell proliferation was also evaluated using MTS assay. Expression profiles of LncRNAs such as H19, RNU43, LNC-MYC-3:1 and ABCC5-AS1:1 were determined by real-time PCR. 
 Results: Glabridin reduced the viability of HEC-1B cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) dose in HEC-1B cells was detected to be 21.32 μM and 13.5 μM at the 24th and 48 hours, respectively. Glabridin has been observed to cause a significant decrease in the expression of H19 and RNU43 while increasing in the expression of LNC-MYC-3:1 and ABCC5-AS1:1.
 Conclusion: Glabridin could induce HEC-1B cell death by regulating LncRNAs expression. As a result, glabridin is a potential candidate for a more effective therapeutic agent against human endometrial cancer.