Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line HepG2 was examined. Cell proliferation was analyzed using MTT assay. The apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined by flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assay, respectively. The expression of signaling molecules were examined by RT-PCR and western blots.
Our results provide experimental evidence that PG inhibits growth and suppresses invasion of HCC cells by downregulating DNMT1 via ROS-dependent AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mediated modulation of transcription factor Sp1.
our results revealed for the first time that PG inhibits growth and suppresses invasion of HCC, highlighting the anti-tumor activities of PG against HCC. However, further studies, including clinical trials, are needed to fully evaluate PG as a novel therapeutic in cancer prevention and treatment.