Effects of artemisinin on proliferation and apoptosis of human liver cancer HepG2 cells: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: This study will examine the effects of artemisinin on proliferation and apoptosis of human liver cancer HepG2 cells (HLCHG-2C). METHODS: This study will systematically retrieve potential literatures in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, WANGFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their initiation to the February 29, 2020. There are not limitations related to the language and publication time. All case-controlled studies (CCSs) or randomized controlled studies (RCSs) will be included in this study which investigated the effects of artemisinin on proliferation and apoptosis of HLCHG-2C. Two independent investigators will examine searched records, collect data from included studies, and will identify their methodological quality. Any divergences will be disentangled by discussion with another investigator. RevMan 5.3 software will be placed to pool the data and to carry out data analysis. RESULTS: This study will summarize all eligible studies to test the effects of artemisinin on proliferation and apoptosis of HLCHG-2C. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will exert evidence to examine the effects of artemisinin on proliferation and apoptosis of HLCHG-2C, and it may benefit further research, patients, and healthcare providers. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202040075.