Abstract:
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (BZYQ) on gastric cancer (GC) and elucidate its potential mechanisms of action.
METHODS A mouse GC xenograft model was employed to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of BZYQ. Furthermore, the impact of BZYQ on cell migration and invasion were examined in vitro using HGC-27 and AGS gastric cancer cell lines. Network pharmacology analyses were conducted to identify the core molecular targets of BZYQ in GC treatment, and molecular docking coupled with protein blotting were used to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying its anticancer effects.
RESULTS BZYQ clearly inhibited the growth of GC homograft tumours. In vitro studies demonstrated that BZYQ suppressed the migratory and invasive capacities of HGC-27 and AGS GC cells. Notably, BZYQ downregulated AKT1, a key protein in PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, reduced EGFR protein expression levels, and increased P53 expression.
CONCLUSION The therapeutic effects of BZYQ in GC may involve modulation of target proteins within the PI3K/AKT pathway, including AKT1, EGFR, and P53. The findings from this study may contribute to identifying novel therapeutic targets and strategies for GC treatment.