Schisandrin B synergizes docetaxel-induced restriction of growth and invasion of cervical cancer cells and .

Background: Cervical cancer is a prevalent tumor in women. Here we investigated the synergic effects of Schisandrin B (Sch B), an active compound extracted from the Chinese herb , in docetaxel (DTX)-induced restriction of growth and invasion of cervical cancer.

Methods: Caski cells were treated with Sch B and DTX for 24 hours. effects were investigated with Cell counting kit-8, western blotting, colony-forming, Transwell, Annexin V-FITC enabled flow cytometry. Then, experiments were engaged with Sch B (20 mg/kg) and DTX (10 mg/kg) for 30 days, and IHC were applied to validate the effects .

Results: Both Sch B and DTX reduced cell viability, inhibited colony formatting, induced apoptosis, and limited cell invasion. Co-administration of Sch B and DTX more significantly enhanced these changes. The relative levels of HPV infection and tumor progression related proteins p-AKT/AKT, NF-kappaB, Cyclin D1, CDK-4, MMP-9, Notch1, β-catenin and p-p38/p38 were markedly inactivated. The effects of Sch B in cervical cancer were further confirmed in Caski cell-xenograft BALB/c nude mice. Co-administration of Sch B enhanced the anti-tumor effects of DTX inhibited tumor formation, increased apoptotic cells, and reduced Ki67 and N-cadherin expression.

Conclusions: Altogether, Sch B enhanced the anti-tumor effects of DTX and via growth, invasion, and apoptosis regulating. The results supported therapies of co-administering Sch B and DTX to be developed in cervical cancer.