Abstract:

Objective To explore the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of oridonin (Ori) on colorectal cancer and the related mechanisms. Methods Colorectal cancer cell line SW-1116 and established Xenograft models in nude mice were treated with different concentrations of Ori (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L). The antiproliferative effect of Ori on SW-1116 cells was assessed using CCK-8, the changes of cell cycle and cell apoptosis after treatment of SW-1116 cells with Ori were evaluated with flow cytometry, the senescence-associated expression of β-galactosidase activity was detected with a senescence detection kit, the effect of Ori on colony formation of SW-1116 cells was determined by soft agar cell clone formation test, and the effect and mechanism of Ori on the growth of Xenografts in nude mice were observed. Results Ori induced growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence and suppressed colony-forming efficiency in colorectal cancer SW-1116 cells. Ori also significantly inhibited the in vivo growth of SW-1116 cells in xenografts in nude mice, and the apoptosis and senescence increased with Ori dosage. Conclusion Ori possesses in vitro and in vivo anti-colorectal cancer activities, and may represent a novel therapeutic option in treatment of colorectal cancer.

Key words: oridonin, colorectal cancer, growth arrest, apoptosis, senescence