Effects of pantoprazole as a HIF-1α inhibitor on human gastric adenocarcinoma sgc-7901 cells.

Previously, it has been demonstrated that HIF-1α has close connection with malignant tumor progression, aggressive behavior and prognosis. In addition, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been reported to selectively induce tumor cell apoptosis, thus exerting its anticancer effects. In vitro and in vivo our study revealed that pantoprazole (PPZ) inhibited tumor cells proliferation, induced apoptosis and decreased the expression of HIF-1α protein. In summary, PPZ could suppress tumor growth acting as a HIF-1α protein inhibitor.