Effect of flavanone on the migration of liver cancer cells

Abstract

Background: In recent years, natural compounds have been shown to play an important role in cancer prevention and early-stage therapy. Flavanones, a class of polyphenolic compounds present in plants, vegetables, seeds, fruit peels, and flowers, have been identified to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial bioactivities. Cancer has become a major global economic and public health challenge. According to international statistics, one in four individuals (22.8%) die from non-communicable diseases, while one in six (16.8%) die from cancer. Aim: To investigate the effect of a flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) isolated from Iris tenuifolia on the migration of liver cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Institute of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. The effect of the flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) on cancer cell migration was evaluated in vitro using the scratch assay. Human liver cancer cells (HepG2) were revived and stabilized before experiments were performed. Results: HepG2 cells were treated with a 2.5 μg/mL concentration of the flavanone for 24 hours. In the control group, an initial scratch width of 0.9 mm was reduced to 0.65 mm after 24 hours due to cell proliferation and migration into the denuded area. However, treatment with the 2.5 μg/mL flavanone concentration resulted in the complete inhibition of cell migration. Conclusion: The flavanone isolated from Iris tenuifolia effectively suppresses the migration of liver cancer cells.