Saikosaponin-b2 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Liver Cancer Cells by Targeting the MACC1/c-Met/Akt Signalling Pathway.

Saikosaponin-b2 (SS-b2), an active ingredient derived from the root of Radix Bupleuri, possesses antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and hepatoprotective properties. We investigated the inhibition of tumour proliferation by SS-b2 and the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the MACC1/p-c-Met/p-Akt pathway expression in HepG2 liver cancer cells and H22 tumour-bearing mice. Animal experiments showed that SS-b2 significantly decreased the levels of MACC1, p-c-MET and p-Akt in tumour tissue transplanted with H22 liver cancer cells in mice, while it increased the expression of p-BAD.

Saikosaponin-b2 Inhibits Primary Liver Cancer by Regulating the STK4/IRAK1/NF-κB Pathway.

The development of primary liver cancer (PLC) is associated with chronic liver inflammation and the loss of associated tumor suppressor genes, which characterizes inflammation-related tumors. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of saikosaponin-b2 (SS-b2) on the development of PLC and its effect of the STK4 expression and IRAK1/NF-κB signaling axis. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that SS-b2 exerted potent anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects.