Triptolide Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Akt/mTOR Pathway


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Abstract

Background: Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F provided the source of the first diterpenoid triepoxide lactone, Triptolide, identified as the primary constituent causing the anticancer activity. So far, it has not been reported whether triptolide has a therapeutic effect on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

Objective: This study investigates the triptolide's therapeutic impact on cSCC both in vitro and in vivo and investigates the triptolide's potential involvement in signaling pathways.

Methods: The CCK-8 assays, wound healing assays, and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of triptolide on the proliferation and migration of cSCC cells. The alteration in gene expression following triptolide treatment was shown by RNA sequencing. Flow cytometry was then applied to evaluate cell apoptosis. Western blot was used to find the associated proteins' expressions. The effectiveness of triptolide was then evaluated in vivo using a xenograft model, and histological staining was employed to determine the visceral toxicity.

Results: Triptolide greatly reduces the migratory and proliferative capacity of cSCC cells. Triptolide dramatically decreased cell viability and migration in the A431 and SCL-1 cells compared to the control group, according to the CCK8 assay, wound healing assay, and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry demonstrated that treatment with 10- 40 nM triptolide increased apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, with a statistically significant difference. Furthermore, mice given triptolide had smaller tumor sizes than those in the control group. Triptolide treatment drastically altered the expression of autophagic and apoptotic proteins. The considerable reduction in the proteins Akt and mTOR levels further illustrated the critical function of triptolide in cSCC.

Conclusion: Triptolide caused cSCC cells to engage in autophagy and apoptosis by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Triptolide may be a possible antitumor agent for the treatment of cSCC.

About the authors

Zhe Zheng

Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University

Email: info@benthamscience.net

Guorong Yan

Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University

Email: info@benthamscience.net

Ningyuan Xi

Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine

Email: info@benthamscience.net

Xiaoxiang Xu

Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine

Email: info@benthamscience.net

Qingyu Zeng

Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine

Email: info@benthamscience.net

Yuhao Wu

Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine

Email: info@benthamscience.net

Ying Zheng

Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University

Author for correspondence.
Email: info@benthamscience.net

Guolong Zhang

Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University

Author for correspondence.
Email: info@benthamscience.net

Xiuli Wang

Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University

Author for correspondence.
Email: info@benthamscience.net

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