Osthole Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration of Human Cervical Carcinoma HeLa Cells

PURPOSE: To study the effect of osthole extract on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells and investigate its underlying mechanism. METHODS: HeLa cells were exposed to osthole at various concentrations. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were detected by MTT assay, scratch wound-healing assay, and invasion assay, respectively. The proportion of cells undergoing apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot and RT-qPCR were performed to determine changes in the expression of key factors in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. RESULTS: The osthole extract effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion potential of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. The rate of apoptosis induction in HeLa cells treated with the osthole extract for 48 h was significantly higher than that of the untreated controls. Outcomes of the western blotting analysis and RT-qPCR showed that the expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, cyclin D1, survivin, and MMP-9 was significantly inhibited. CONCLUSION: Osthole could significantly inhibit the malignant behavior of HeLa cells and induce cellular apoptosis. Inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by osthole may be a mechanism to control cancer metastasis.