Cucurbitacin E elicits apoptosis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by enhancing reactive oxygen species-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

ABSTRACT: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a prevalent head and neck neoplasm with escalating global morbidity and mortality rates. Despite the increasing burden of LSCC, the drugs currently approved for its treatment are limited. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel and promising drugs that target LSCC. Cucurbitacin E (CuE) is a naturally oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoid that suppresses several cancers. However, its anti-LSCC activity and the molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study explored its impact on LSCC, revealing cell viability attenuation and apoptosis enhancement in vitro. Further investigations indicated that CuE significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby promoting cytochrome c release, increasing cleaved-Caspase 3 and

SUBMITTER: Zheng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11387858 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature