The Inhibition Effect of 2-Methoxy-1,4- naphthoquinone on Human Hepatoma Cell Lines: A in vitro and in vivo Studies

Abstract: Background and Aim: To study the antitumor activity of 2-Methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (MNQ) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, in an attempt to fill knowledge gap anti-liver cancer with MNQ. Materials Methods: Cell viability presence MNQ was assessed by MTT effect on HepG2 cell cycle flow cytometry. analyze apoptosis its molecular mechanisms, we used a combination Hoechst 33342 staining, annexin V binding, Rhodamine 123 Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blotting confocal microscopy. On other hand, vivo tumor growth measured xenograft nude mice model. Finally, hematoxylin eosin staining were observe pathological changes tissue. Results: The results indicate that induced HCC lines, as demonstrated significant increasing mitochondrial membrane potential G0/G1 arrest cells. Furthermore, significantly up-regulated BAD down-regulated expression anti-apoptotic factors NF-κB Bcl-2 at protein transcription levels. studies revealed inhibited growth. Conclusion: suppress proliferation induces cells through Rel/NF-κB signal pathways. Keywords: 2-Methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Apoptosis, cycle, Hematoxylin Eosin, Antitumor mechanisms.