Aloin Induces Gastric Cancer Cell Apoptosis via the miR-5683/HMGB1 Signal Axis

Background: Recent studies conducted by us indicate that aloin (ALO) could promote gastric cancer (GC) cell apoptosis, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been reported to regulate the apoptosis, proliferation, and migration of several cancer types. Bioinformatics analysis suggests a possible targeted regulatory relationship between miR5683 and HMGB1. Purpose: Herein, we aimed to investigate the possible role of the miR-5683/HMGB1 axis in ALO-induced GC cell apoptosis. Methods: The expression levels of miR-5683 and HMGB1 in GC tissue and adjacent normal tissue were investigated using bioinformatics analysis, and their expressions at the cellular levels were determined using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting (WB) assays. The interaction between miR-5683 and HMGB1 was predicted in the TargetScan database and verified by a dual-luciferase assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and flow cytometry. WB was used to examine the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and HMGB1. Results: Our data showed that ALO promoted GC cell apoptosis, downregulated HMGB1, upregulated miR-5683 expression, and dual-luciferase assay confirmed the interaction between HMGB1 and miR-5683. Moreover, miR-5683 mimics enhanced ALO-induced GC cell apoptosis and the inhibitory effects of ALO on the levels of HMGB1. However, miR-5683 inhibitors showed the opposite effects. Conclusion: Our data suggested that ALO promotes GC cell apoptosis through the miR-5683/HMGB1 axis.