Xiaoaiping injection affects the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by controlling AFP expression

Abstract

Abstract Objective Xiaoaiping (XAP) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is a commonly used as an anticancer drug in clinical practice owing to its high efficiency and low toxicity. Specifically, XAP can effectively inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a key HCC diagnostic marker and is closely related to certain malignant cytological behaviors of HCC. However, whether AFP expression and XAP treatment are related to the invasion and metastasis of HCC remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanism of XAP on the invasion and metastasis of HCC.. Methods Using a cell scratch assay, Transwell technology, and western blotting we detected the different invasion and metastatic abilities of Hep3B cells in XAP treatment and blank control groups. This allowed comparison of the invasion and metastatic abilities of Hep3B cells with differing levels of AFP expression. AFP mRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the mechanism of tumor invasion and metastasis associated with AFP and XAP treatment. Results Cell invasion and metastasis abilities in the XAP group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the control group, the expression of AFP significantly decreased after XAP treatment (P < 0.05). The ability of Hep3B cells to invade and metastasize was promoted when AFP expression was up-regulated, whereas it was inhibited when AFP was silenced. XAP injection and AFP regulate the invasion and metastatic ability of HCC by affecting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Conclusion XAP injection inhibits the invasion and metastatic ability of HCC by influencing the expression of AFP; additionally, this inhibition of AFP is achieved by affecting MMPs.