Yiqi Jianpi Huaji Formula (YJHF) Induced Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer BGC-823 Cells Via NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Purpose: To explore the effect of Yiqi Jianpi Huaji Formula (YJHF) on the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer BGC-823 cells and its possible mechanisms. Method: BGC-823 cells were treated with the YJHF water extract (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 μg/mL) for 24 h, the proliferation of cells was detected by MTT assay, the apoptosis rate of cells was detected by flow cytometer, and the expression levels of caspase 3, Bcl-2 and NF-κB signaling pathway related proteins were detected by qPCR and Western blot respectively. Results: YJHF with a concentration of 30-120 μg/mL could inhibit the proliferation of BGC-823 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 90, 120 and 150 μg/mL YJHF induced apoptosis of BGC-823 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of caspase 3, Bcl-2, NF-κB, IKKα, IKBα and p-IKBα protein were down-regulated in BGC-823 cells treated with 120 and 150 μg/mL YJHF. As well as, NF-κB and IKBα mRNA expression levels were down-regulated. Conclusion: YJHF can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of gastric cancer cells, which may be related to the NF-κB signaling pathway.