Fritillaria thunbergii Extracts Suppress Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation and Metastasis via mTOR Signaling Pathways.

Abstract

Introduction: Fritillaria thunbergii exhibits diverse medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Despite extensive research on F. thunbergii, its molecular mechanisms in liver cancer treatment remain elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the anticancer properties of an F. thunbergii alcohol extract (FAE) through a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Methods: The effects of FAE on Huh7 and Hep3B cells were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were determined using CCK-8, scratch wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Protein levels of mTOR pathway components (p-mTOR, mTOR) and cell cycle regulators (Cyclin D1, CDK4) were analyzed by western blotting. In vivo antitumor efficacy was evaluated in a xenograft model, with tumor tissues examined by HE staining and immunohistochemistry.

Results: FAE exhibited potent antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo, without apparent cytotoxicity. It dose- and time-dependently inhibited cancer cell viability, migration, and invasion.

Discussion: FAE treatment concurrently downregulated proliferative markers (Cyclin D1, CDK4) and suppressed mTOR activation, indicating the involvement of this key pathway in its mechanism of action. These findings collectively suggest that FAE has considerable potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusion: These findings collectively suggest that FAE possesses considerable potential as a therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.