Inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling via ROS regulation is involved in Rhein-induced apoptosis and enhancement of oxaliplatin sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells.

ABSTRACT: Several natural products have been demonstrated to both enhance the anti-tumor efficacy and alleviate the side effects of conventional chemotherapy drugs. Rhein, a main constituent of the Chinese herb rhubarb, has been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancer types. However, the exact pharmacological mechanisms controlling the influence of Rhein on chemotherapy drug effects in pancreatic cancer (PC) remain largely undefined. In this study, we found that Rhein inhibited the growth and proliferation of PC cells through G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Moreover, Rhein induced caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis of PC cells through inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combination treatment of Rhein and oxaliplatin synergistically enhanced apoptosis of PC cells through increased generation

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7893580 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature