Effects of Apatinib on the "Stemness" of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells In Vivo and Its Related Mechanisms.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Apatinib on the "stemness" of lung cancer cells in vivo and to explore its related mechanisms.

Methods: A xenograft model of lung cancer cells A549 was established in nude mice and randomized into a control group ( = 4) and an Apatinib group ( = 4). Tumor tissues were harvested after 2 weeks, and mRNA was extracted to detect changes in stemness-related genes (, , , , , , , , , and ) and Wnt/-catenin, Hedgehog, and Hippo signal pathways.

Results: Compared with the control group, the volume and weight of nude mice treated with Apatinib were different and had statistical significance. Apatinib inhibited the expressions of , , , , and and upregulated the expressions of , , and . Apatinib treatment also inhibited the Wnt/-catenin, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling pathways.

Conclusion: Apatinib suppressed the growth of non-small-cell lung cancer cells by repressing the stemness of lung cancer through the inhibition of the Hedgehog, Hippo, and Wnt signaling pathways.