Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Withaferin A suppresses liver tumor growth in a nude mouse model by downregulation of cell signaling pathway leading to invasion and angiogenesis

Yu-Xu Wang , Wei-Bao Ding, Cheng-Wei Dong

Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang 261041, China;

For correspondence:- Yu-Xu Wang Email: wangyuxu88@gmail.com Tel:+865368234981

Received: 23 November 2014 Accepted: 19 May 2015 Published: 29 June 2015

Citation: Wang Y, Ding W, Dong C. Withaferin A suppresses liver tumor growth in a nude mouse model by downregulation of cell signaling pathway leading to invasion and angiogenesis. Trop J Pharm Res 2015; 14(6):1005-1011 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v14i6.10

© 2015 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of withaferin A on tumor growth and metastasis in liver in a nude mouse model.

Methods: Withaferin A was injected through a portal vein to the orthotopic liver tumor in a nude mice model. Xenogen in vivo imaging system was used to monitor tumor growth and metastasis. The effect of withaferin A on tumor volume, invasive growth pattern, expression of Pyk2, upregulation of BAX/P53, apoptotic signaling and ROCK/IP10/VEGF pathway along with cytoskeletal protein actin projection formation was studied. Tumor/non-tumor margin was examined under electron microscopy. In addition, the direct effect of withaferin A on liver cancer cells and endothelial cells was further investigated.

Results: A significant inhibition of tumor growth and lower incidence of lung metastasis was observed after withaferin A treatment. Withaferin A treatment led to a decrease in the incidence of intrahepatic metastasis from 90 (9 of 10) to 10 % (1 of 10, p = 0.041). There was decrease in macrophage infiltration in the liver tumors and vessels. Western blot analysis revealed inhibition of expression of Pyk2, ROCK1 protein and VEGF. Electron microscopy showed tumor vascular endothelial cell damage and significant necrosis of tumor tissues. It also suppressed formation of cytoskeletal protein actin projection involved in cell migration.

Conclusion: Withaferin A inhibits liver tumor invasion and angiogenesis by downregulation of cell signalling pathway leading to invasion and angiogenesis. Therefore, withaferin A is a promising candidate for the treatment of liver tumor invasion and angiogenesis.

Keywords: Withaferin A, Macrophage, Lung metastasis, Angiogenesis, Vascular endothelial growth factor, Rho kinase, Withania somnifera