Bergenin Triggers Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma KB Cells by Targeting the PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Biochemical and Molecular Study
Lin Tian, Jiaxin Li, Jiasu Zhang, Lixin FengBackground
Bergenin’s anticancer potential in oral squamous cell carcinoma (KB cells) remains underexplored, particularly its modulation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis.
Purpose
This study investigates its multimodal effects on apoptosis induction, oxidative stress regulation, and inflammatory-angiogenic pathway suppression.
Materials and Methods
KB cells were treated with bergenin (100 and 200 µg/mL) and doxorubicin (DOX). Apoptosis was assessed via molecular markers p53, proliferation via Ki-67 staining and oxidative stress via redox assays through ELISA. Pathway components (PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1) were analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Statistical significance was evaluated via one-way ANOVA by using GraphPad Prism. PI3K/Akt pathway inhibition was observed alongside Nrf2/HO-1 downregulation (
Results
Oxidative stress mitigation was evidenced by reduced lipid peroxidation and elevated antioxidant enzyme activity (
Conclusion
Bergenin suppresses KB cell growth primarily through apoptosis and necrosis, mediated by PI3K/Akt pathway inhibition. Its multimodal action—restoring redox balance, disrupting inflammatory-angiogenic networks, and impairing cellular adhesion—highlights its therapeutic potential. Further structural analysis of active components is warranted to validate these findings.