Study on the Inhibition of Proliferation and Migration Ability of H460 Lung Cancer Cells by Zhonglou Saponin VII
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor diseases in clinic. The incidence rate and mortality of lung cancer are higher in men than in women in most countries and regions. In developing countries such as China, the incidence rate of lung cancer is also gradually increasing due to the continuous increase in tobacco use and other factors. Research has shown that non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for over 80% of lung cancer cases and has a 5-year survival rate of less than 15%, with large cell lung cancer being one of them. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long tradition in treating lung cancer and has accumulated valuable clinical application experience. Traditional Chinese medicine can inhibit lung cancer cell growth and prevent metastasis by improving immune system function, reducing blood viscosity, affecting tumor cell cycle, and inducing tumor cell apoptosis. Chonglou is the dried rhizome of the Liliaceae plant, Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand Mazz. or Paris polyphylla Smith var. cinensis (Franch.) Hara, a seven leaf, one branch flower. Mainly produced in Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi and other regions, Seven Leaves and One Branch Flower is also one of the seven characteristic Taibai medicines in the Qinba Mountain area, and is a traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat and detoxifying. Modern pharmacological research has found that the main pharmacological effect in Polygonatum sibiricum is exerted by its steroidal soapberry components, namely Polygonatum sibiricum saponins. Polygonatum sibiricum saponin VII is one of them, which is a saponin compound with meta norsapogenin. Studies have shown that it has anti-tumor activity. This study focuses on the human lung cancer H460 cells and observes the effects of saponins VII on cell proliferation, in vitro migration, invasion, etc., providing experimental evidence for the application of saponins VII in lung cancer and corresponding drug development.

According to statistics, more than 50% of anti-tumor drugs are based on natural product research. Multiple monomers or extracted components from natural sources have been proven to have anti-tumor or induction of tumor cell apoptosis effects. Therefore, it is of great significance to conduct research on traditional Chinese medicine and natural drugs to find monomers or components with anti-tumor effects. Zhonglou saponin is an effective ingredient extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Zhonglou. Previous studies have found that it has good anti lung cancer effects and can induce apoptosis of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the P13K Akt and NF kB pathways. This study further indicates that saponins VII from Polygonatum sibiricum have inhibitory effects on the growth of lung cancer cells, and can inhibit their migration and invasion in vitro. They may also induce apoptosis. At the same time, the regulation of cell migration and invasion by saponins VII from Polygonatum sibiricum may be related to its inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase MMPs. MMPs are a class of extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading enzymes that are overexpressed in various malignant tumors. They promote tumor cell growth, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are two main MMPs that both have the function of degrading ECM and promoting tumor migration and invasion. This study indicates that the inhibitory effect of Zhonglou saponin VII on lung cancer cell migration and invasion is related to its regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. At the same time, Zhonglou saponin VII can also regulate apoptosis related proteins. CAD (caspase activated decxyri bonuclease) is an enzyme that degrades nuclear DNA during apoptosis, while ICAD (inhibitor of CAD) exerts inhibitory effects on it. Under normal conditions, both enzymes exist in the cytoplasm and maintain normal physiological activities of cells. After the action of Zhonglou saponin VII, the expression of ICAD decreases, thereby weakening the inhibitory effect of CAD and inducing apoptosis. The Bcl-2 family is an important participant in the process of apoptosis, with Bax promoting apoptosis and Bcl-2 inhibiting it. After the action of Zhonglou saponin VII, the expression of Bcl-2 decreased and the expression of Bax increased, ultimately achieving the goal of activating caspase family proteins and initiating apoptosis program. Caspase-3 is the final apoptotic executive protein, which is activated and cleaved to induce apoptosis. In summary, saponins VII from Polygonatum sibiricum can significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer H460 cells, and its mechanism is related to regulating MMPs family proteins and ultimately inducing apoptosis. This study enriches the relevant foundation of the anti-tumor research of Polygonatum sibiricum saponins and provides a reference for further research and development of Polygonatum sibiricum saponins