X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein inhibitor Embelin induces apoptosis via PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibits invasion in osteosarcoma cells.

BACKGROUND

Embelin is an active compound identified as a novel X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) inhibitor from the Embelia ribes that exhibits various medicinal effects including anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. However, the therapeutic effect of Embelin to human osteosarcoma is not yet determined.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we evaluated the sensitizing potential of Embelin on promoting apoptosis to cause osteosarcoma cell death and inhibiting its invasion.

METHODS

We uesd 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide to detect the survival rates of osteosarcoma cells, Western blot to detect the expression of proteins in U-2 OS and MG63 cells, and fluorescence microscope to observe the morphology of apoptotic cells.

RESULTS

The survival of osteosarcoma cells decreased, When Embelin was used. Obvious condensed and flared fluorescence was observed, when used high-dose Embelin. There was an increase of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 in Embelin group, while PI3K, AKt, p-AKt, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, and MMP-9 were downregulated. The invasion of Embelin application was significantly lower than that of the control application.

CONCLUSION

Embelin promoted apoptosis via XIAP and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. XIAP inhibitor Embelin inducing apoptosis could cause osteosarcoma cell death and inhibit its invasion.