Licochalcone A induces apoptotic cell death via JNK/p38 activation in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Licochalcone A is widely studied in different fields and possesses antiasthmatic, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer properties. Its antimalignancy activity on renal, liver, lung, and oral cancer has been explored. However, limited studies have been conducted on the inhibitory effects of licochalcone A in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. We determined cell viability using MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptotic cell death were measured via flow cytometry. Caspase activation and mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐related proteins in nasopharyngeal cancer cells in response to licochalcone A were identified by Western blot analysis. Results indicated that licochalcone A reduces cell viability and induces apoptosis, as evidenced by the upregulation of caspase‐8 and caspase‐9, caspase‐3 activation, and cleaved‐poly ADP‐ribose polymerase expression. Treatment with licochalcone A significantly increases ERK1/2, p38, and JNK1/2 activation. Co‐administration of a JNK inhibitor (JNK‐IN‐8) or p38 inhibitor (SB203580) abolishes the activation of caspase‐9, caspase‐8, and caspase‐3 protein expression during licochalcone A treatment. These findings indicate that licochalcone A exerts a cytostatic effect through apoptosis by targeting the JNK/p38 pathway in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Therefore, licochalcone A is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of human nasopharyngeal cancer cells.