Maslinic Acid Suppresses Cervical Cancer Growth by Inducing Apoptosis through a P53-Dependent and Bcl Related Pathway in Vitro

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer occurs in middle-aged and elderly women, which is one of the most common cancers in women. Unfortunately, there is still no effective treatment for cervical cancer patients of terminal stages. Maslinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene acid exhibits various bioactivities. However, the effect of Maslinic acid in cervical cancers remain unclear. Methods: The bioactivity of Maslinic acid have investigated using qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, cell migration assay, western blot and immunofluorescence in order to explore the mechanism of anticancer effects of on cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Results: The proliferation of HeLa cells was suppressed by Maslinic acid treatment. Moreover, the abilities of migration and invasion were suppressed after Maslinic acid treatment. Furthermore, Maslinic acid could induce mitochondria dysfunction in HeLa cells. Conclusions: The proliferation ability was suppressed and the apoptosis was increased by Maslinic acid treatment. Additionally, p53-dependent and Bcl related pathway influence the capacity of migration and invasion in Hela cells, which could be regulated by Maslinic acid. It could be a promising effective agent and underlying mechanism for cervical cancer treatment.