Euphorbia factor L2 inhibits TGF-β-induced cell growth and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma through AKT/STAT3

Abstract

BackgroundEuphorbia factor L2 has potent effects on ascites, hydropsy and cancers. PurposeWe investigated the pharmacological effects of Euphorbia factor L2 (EFL2) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsMTT assay was conducted to determine the proliferative activity of EFL2 on Hep G2 and SMMC-7721 cells. Wound-healing assay, colony formation assay, western blotting and quantitative PCR were carried out to examine the cell migration, p-AKT and p-STAT3 signaling. Moreover, we used human tumor xenograft BALB/c nude mice to detect the effect of EFL2 on HCC in vivo. ResultsEFL2 inhibited the proliferation of SMMC-7721 and Hep G2 cells in concentration- and time-dependent manners. EFL2 also suppressed the cell migration and colony formation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Using a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) model, we provided evidences that EFL2 could also inhibit TGF-β induced cell growth, vimentin, N-cadherin expressions, activation of p-AKT and p-STAT3, whereas up-regulate E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, EFL2 inhibited tumor growth and STAT3 phosphorylation in vivo. ConclusionIn conclusion, EFL2 has the potential to be explored as a candidate treatment agent for HCC by inhibiting cell growth and migration both in vitro and in vivo.