Setting the target for pemphigus vulgaris therapy.

BACKGROUND

Crocodile blood is a rich and valuable source of bioactive compounds derived from natural products. Crocodile blood powder (CP) has garnered significant attention for its potential applications in human health treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of CP on the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells.

METHODS

We analyzed the protein content of CP using MS/MS techniques. The effects of CP on cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and invasion were assessed using immunofluorescence, a wound healing assay, a transwell invasion assay, and Western blot analysis, respectively.

RESULT: The findings indicated that CP could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cell lines. Additionally, CP increased caspase-3 expression, inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells. CP treatment also reduced metastasis and invasion of HepG2 cells. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses revealed that CP upregulated E-cadherin expression, while downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study demonstrated that CP inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. Furthermore, CP suppresses metastasis and invasion by increasing E-cadherin expression and downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9. Thus, CP may serve as a promising candidate for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.