Silibinin inhibited autophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis in pancreatic carcinoma by activating JNK/SAPK signaling

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious investigation have indicated Silibinin induces apoptosis and JNK/SAPK in human pancreatic cancer cells. This study aims to evaluate the further mechanism of Silibinin in pancreatic cancer treatment. Materials and methodsHuman pancreatic cancer cell lines SW1990 was treated with Silibinin and/or JNK/SAPK inhibitor SP600125 followed by measurement of cell viability, apoptosis, autophagy, ROS and ATP, and western blotting. ResultsSilibinin promoted cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis. The expression of ROS and ATP associated with mitochondrial function was also promoted by the treatment of silibinin. Silibinin also promoted autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells. All these biological effects of Silibinin can be reversed by JNK/SAPK inhibitor. ConclusionsThe biological effects regulated by Silibinin can be mediated by JNK/SAPK signaling. This provides a solid theoretical basis for the role of Silibinin in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.