Effects of β-carboline alkaloids from Peganum harmala on the FAK/PI3K/AKT/Mtor pathway in human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and tumor-bearing mice.

This study investigates the effects of β-carboline alkaloids from Peganum harmala on FAK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and tumor-bearing mice. Western blot, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were performed to detect protein and mRNA expressions of BCL-2, Bax, FAK, PI3K, AKT and mTOR. Mice model of gastric tumor was established with SGC-7901 cells. TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptosis. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes. In vitro, the protein and mRNA expressions of FAK, PI3K, AKT and mTOR in β-carboline alkaloids groups were significantly lower than those in control and fluorouracil groups (P<0.05). BCL-2 decreased while Bax increased. In vivo, the tumor weights of β-carboline alkaloids and fluorouracil groups were significantly lower than those of control group (P<0.05). FAK, PI3K, AKT and mTOR proteins in tumor tissues of β-carboline alkaloids and fluorouracil groups were significantly lower than control group (P<0.05). Additionally, β-carboline alkaloids treatment in vivo caused obvious cell necrosis and apoptosis. Conclusively, β-carboline alkaloids can reduce FAK, PI3K, AKT and mTOR expressions at both protein and mRNA levels in SGC-7901 cells and tumor tissues formed by SGC-7901 cells. They may be targets of β-carboline in FAK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.