OSW‑1 inhibits tumor cell proliferation and migration via uncoupling protein 2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Shen,Kaiwen; Jin,Xinglin

doi:10.3892/ol.2025.15107

OSW‑1 inhibits tumor cell proliferation and migration via uncoupling protein 2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Authors:
- Kaiwen Shen
- Xinglin Jin
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Affiliations: Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin 133000, P.R. China
Published online on: May 22, 2025 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2025.15107
Article Number: 361
Copyright: © Shen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Apoptosis is one of the primary mechanisms by which anticancer drugs exert their effects. Orsaponin (OSW‑1) is a natural broad‑spectrum inhibitor of enterovirus replication isolated from Ornithogalum saundersiae. It is a specific antagonist of cholesterol‑binding protein (OSBP) and OSBP‑related protein 4 (ORP4). OSW‑1 exhibits antitumor activity; however, its mechanism remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the cytotoxicity of OSW‑1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its antitumor mechanisms. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database analysis showed that uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) expression was markedly higher in HCC tissue. Mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle progression in Hep3B cells were assessed by flow cytometry using JC‑1 and propidium iodide staining, respectively. OSW‑1 decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, induced cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M phase and caused production of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Western blot and quantitative PCR determined that OSW‑1 induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells by downregulating UCP2 expression. These results suggest that OSW‑1 has potential as a therapeutic agent for liver cancer. Future studies should explore its effects on a broader range of HCC cell lines and in vivo models and investigate its molecular mechanisms and side effects.

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