Tanshinone IIA inhibits cell viability and promotes PUMA-mediated apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Apoptosis alteration is responsible for tumorigenesis and tumor resistance to therapies. The natural product Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) exhibits potent inhibitory effects against various tumors. However, the effect of Tan IIA on apoptosis and its underlying mechanism remains elusive in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits human tongue carcinoma cells via HK2‑mediated glycolysis.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the major catechins found in green tea, was suggested to play a role as a chemopreventive agent in various human cancer models. In this study, we reported that EGCG has a profound antitumor effect on human tongue carcinoma cells by directly regulating glycolysis. EGCG dose-dependently inhibited anchorage-independent growth and short-term EGCG exposure substantially decreased EGF-induced EGF receptor (EGFR), Akt and ERK1/2 activation, as well as the downregulation of hexokinase 2 (HK2).

Arecoline inhibits epithelial cell viability by upregulating the apoptosis pathway: implication for oral submucous fibrosis.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of excess collagen, and areca nut chewing has been proposed as a significant etiological factor for disease manifestation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms regarding areca nut chewing-induced OSF are only partially understood. Herein, we reported that arecoline markedly induced morphologic change in HaCaT epithelial cells, but had no obvious effect on Hel fibroblast cells.

Arecoline suppresses HaCaT cell proliferation through cell cycle regulatory molecules.

Betel nut chewing is the most common cause of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Arecoline is the main component of the betel nut, and is associated with the occurrence and development of OSF through cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and DNA damage. Similar types of stimuli elicit differential responses in different cells.