Panax Notoginseng Saponins Exert Anti-osteosarcoma Effect by Inhibiting G0 / G1 Phase and Affecting p53-mediated Autophagy and Mitochondrial Apoptosis

Abstract Background Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy. Chemotherapy for osteosarcoma often induces severe complications to the patients. Thus, the identification of new effective antineoplastic agents with fewer side effects remain a necessity. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) were therapeutic active components of panax notoginseng and were reported taking the capability to inhibit the growth of several tumors in vitro and in vivo. However, its effect on osteosarcoma has not been studied. This study first investigated the effect of PNS on osteosarcoma cells. Methods CCK-8 essay used to determine the appropriate working concentration of PNS on osteosarcoma,annixV-FITC/PI experiment used to measure the apoptosis of PNS on osteosarcoma, wound healing assay was used to detect the migration of PNS on osteosarcoma, cell invasiveness was measured by transwell essay,cell cycle was measured by PI,the expression of relative protein was shown by western blot. Results Our result indicated that PNS inhibited osteosarcoma cells’ proliferation, invasion and migration, promoted their apoptosis. Besides, PNS also increased mitochondrial membrane potential and the level of reactive oxygen species. Cell cycle of osteosarcoma was arrested in G 0 / G 1 phase after treatment with PNS. The expression of p53, and mitochondrial related apoptosis proteins were promoted; however, decreased autophagy in osteosarcoma cells with PNS treatment were observed. Conclusion Taking the above effect of PNS on osteosarcoma, PNS were of the potential therapeutic value for treatment of osteosarcoma.