Background/Aim: Huaier extract, whose main active constituent is the proteoglycan, has anti-tumor activity in several types of malignancies. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of Huaier extract in hepatoblastoma cells. Materials and Methods: The effect of Huaier extract on the proliferation of human hepatoblastoma cell lines HepG2 and HuH-6, was examined. Results: Incubation with Huaier extract resulted in a marked, dose-dependent decrease in hepatoblastoma cell viability. Huaier extract induced S phase arrest in hepatoblastoma cells and upregulated the expression of the cell cycle related proteins cyclin D1 and cyclin D3. It also induced apoptosis in hepatoblastoma cells. Additionally, it significantly suppressed the activity of p-ERK and p-MEK. Conclusion: Huaier extract inhibits proliferation, and induces cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via the MEK-ERK pathway in hepatoblastoma cells. Huaier extract may act as a complementary agent for treating hepatoblastoma.

中文翻译：

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槐耳提取物通过 MEK/ERK 信号通路诱导肝母细胞瘤细胞凋亡

背景/目的：槐耳提取物的主要活性成分是蛋白多糖，对多种恶性肿瘤具有抗肿瘤活性。在本研究中，我们旨在阐明槐耳提取物对肝母细胞瘤细胞的影响。材料和方法：检查槐耳提取物对人肝母细胞瘤细胞系HepG2和HuH-6增殖的影响。结果：与槐耳提取物孵育导致肝母细胞瘤细胞活力显着的剂量依赖性降低。槐耳提取物诱导肝母细胞瘤细胞 S 期停滞，并上调细胞周期相关蛋白细胞周期蛋白 D1 和细胞周期蛋白 D3 的表达。它还诱导肝母细胞瘤细胞凋亡。此外，它还显着抑制了 p-ERK 和 p-MEK 的活性。结论：槐耳提取物抑制增殖，并通过肝母细胞瘤细胞中的 MEK-ERK 途径诱导细胞凋亡和细胞周期停滞。槐耳提取物可作为治疗肝母细胞瘤的辅助药物。