Author:
Sun Shao-Qian,Du Feng-Xiang,Zhang Li-Hua,Hao-Shi ,Gu Fu-Ying,Deng Yu-Lin,Ji Yi-Zhi
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common solid malignancy in children. Despite current intensive treatment, the long-term event-free survival rate is less than 50% in these patients. Thus, patients with NB urgently need more valid treatment strategies. Previous research has shown that STAT3 may be an effective target in high-risk NB patients. However, there are no effective inhibitors in clinical evaluation with low toxicity and few side effects. Astaxanthin is a safe and natural anticancer product. In this study, we investigated whether astaxanthin could exert antitumor effects in the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cancer cell line.
Method
MTT and colony formation assays were used to determine the effect of astaxanthin on the proliferation and colony formation of SK-N-SH cells. Flow cytometry assays were used to detect the apoptosis of SK-N-SH cells. The migration and invasion ability of SK-N-SH cells were detected by migration and invasion assays. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels. Animal experiments were carried out and cell apoptosis in tissues were assessed using a TUNEL assay.
Result
We confirmed that astaxanthin repressed proliferation, clone formation ability, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis in SK-N-SH cells through the STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, the highest inhibitory effect was observed when astaxanthin was combined with si-STAT3. The reason for this may be that the combination of astaxanthin and si-STAT3 can lower STAT3 expression further than astaxanthin or si-STAT3 alone.
Conclusion
Astaxanthin can exert anti-tumor effect on SK-N-SH cells. The inhibitory effect was the higher when astaxanthin was combined with si-STAT3.
Funder
the Scientific Research Common Program of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Education
the Premium Funding Project for Academic Human Resources Development in Beijing Union University
the Venus Research Training Students Program
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Complementary and alternative medicine