Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin decoction inhibits hepatoma cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis via the mitochondrial-mediated pathway

Abstract

Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin decoction (JXY) is a type of Chinese traditional medicine, which has been used to treat various types of cancer. The present study explored the mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of JXY. The effects of ethyl acetate extraction of JXY (EE-JXY) were evaluated on the HepG2 human hepatoma cell line in vitro and in vivo. Following treatment of the HepG2 cells with EE-JXY for 24 h, cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase enzyme activity and the expression levels of apoptotic-associated proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) were detected by MTT, flow cytometry, ELISA and western blotting respectively. In addition, HepG2 cells were subcutaneously transplanted into BALB/c nude mice, and the tumor bearing mice were treated with either EE-JXY (0.06 g/kg) or normal saline for 21 days. Tumor volume and weight were measured and recorded. The apoptotic index, and the expression levels of Bax and cytochrome c were determined with immunohistochemical staining. Treatment with EE-JXY inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and reduced cell viability in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, EE-JXY induced HepG2 cell apoptosis, as demonstrated by a loss of plasma membrane asymmetry and externalization of phosphatidylserine, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and an increased ratio of pro-apoptotic Bax to anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. Furthermore, EE-JXY inhibited tumor growth and increased the apoptotic index of tumors in tumor-bearing mice. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that JXY inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation through mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis, which may partially explain its anticancer activity.

Liver Cancer Treatment by Chinese Medicines and their Active Compounds

“…Jie Du Xiao Zheng Yin (JDXZY) is a typical TCM formula for liver cancer treatment. Recent studies have found that JDXZY can suppress the proliferation of liver cancer cells in a doseand time-dependent manner [30]. In vivo studies also confirmed that JDXZY could increase the tumor apoptotic index and reduce tumor size in nude mice.…”

Geijigajakyak decoction inhibits the motility and tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer cells

“…Many studies have attempted to identify the anti-cancer effect of various decoctions from traditional Chinese medical formulations; for example. the effects of Guizhi-Fuling-decoction on cervical cancer [ 27 ], Lichong decoction on uterine leiomyoma [ 28 ], Kuan-Sin-Yin decoction on bladder and lung cancers [ 29 ], ShaoYao decoction on colitis-associated colorectal cancer [ 22 ], Shu-Gan-Liang-Xue decoction on breast cancer [ 30 ], and Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin decoction [ 31 ] and Songyou Yin decoction [ 32 ] on hepatoma. Cell motility assays and examination of downstream signaling pathways have been used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their action in vitro.…”

Role of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 Signaling Pathway in Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine

“… 88 The total flavonoids of Xiakucao reduce the expression of HIF-1α in tumor cells and inhibit RHCC by blocking the aerobic glycolytic process in HCC cells. Cao et al 89 successfully prepared a liver metastasis tumor model by subcutaneously transplanting HepG2 cells into BALB/c nude mice. This was followed by treatment using ethyl acetate extract of Jiedu Xiaozheng Decoction.…”