Cervical cancer cell proliferation inhibition by vanillin oxime through HIF‑1α expression inhibition, ERK1/2 and Akt protein down-regulation.

Cervical cancer is a frequently reported cancer of reproductive tract in females and is worldwide 4th most common malignant tumor. The present study investigated the effect of vanillin oxime on proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Vanillin oxime treatment led to suppression of Caski cell proliferation but could not affect proliferation of (HCvEpC) cells at the tested (2 to 10 μM) concentrations. In vanillin oxime treated Caski cells ROS level showed an increase with enhancement in concentration from 2 to 10 μM. Vanillin oxime treatment significantly (P<0.0487) lowered the count of colonies and inhibited invasive abilities of Caski cells. Treatment with vanillin oxime caused a significant (P<0.0487) suppression in HIF‑1α expression in Caski cells. Caski cell apoptotic count reached to 8.76% and 48.65%, on incubation with 2 and 10 μM concentrations of vanillin oxime respectively. After treatment with vanillin oxime a prominent reduction in MMP-2 and -9 levels was observed in Caski cells. A prominent reduction in p-ERK1/2 and p-Akt levels was observed in Caski cells after treatment with vanillin oxime. Vanillin oxime inhibits cervical cancer proliferation, invasive abilities, induces apoptotic signalling, and elevates ROS production. Therefore, vanillin oxime may be developed as an effective therapeutic agent for treatment of cervical cancer.