Effects of andrographolide on invasion and apoptosis of ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of andrographolide on the invasion and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3,and to explore the possible mechanisms.METHODS:SKOV-3 cells were treated with different concentrations (0,5,10,20 or 40 μmol/L) of andrographolide for different time (12,24,36 or 48 h),and then the cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay.The cell invasion ability was analyzed by Transwell assay and cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.The protein levels of p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR were examined by Western blot.RESULTS:The results of CCK-8 assay revealed that andrographolide inhibited the growth of SKOV-3 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.Treatment with andrographolide at 20 μmol/L for 36 h significantly decreased the invasion ability of SKOV-3 cells,while increased cell apoptosis.In addition,the protein levels of p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR were reduced after andrographolide treatment.CONCLUSION:Andrographolide inhibits the growth and invasion of ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells by suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.