Chrysanthemum indicum linné extracts attenuate the mitogenic effect of epinephrine on human HCC cells

ObjectiveTo investigate the stimulatory effect of epinephrine(Epi) and the antagonistic effect of Chrysanthemum indicum Linné extracts (CILE) on Epi-induced growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells.MethodsThe stimulatory effect of Epi and inhibitory effect of CILE on the growth of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells were investigated using a proliferation assay in correlation with β adrenergic receptor(β2-AR) blockade, a MEK1/MEK2 inhibitor, and assessment of MAPK/ERK½ intracellular activity.ResultsEpi transiently activated MAPK/ERK½ in HepG2 and MHCC97H cells, resulting in a burst of growth. The effect of Epi was significantly attenuated by ICI 118551 and U0126. CILE exhibited a dose-dependent attenuation of the stimulatory effect of Epi on the growth of both cell lines and inhibited the Epi-induced activation of MAPK/ERK½.ConclusionEpi, mimicking a mitogen, stimulated the growth of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells, and CILE was effective in attenuating this effect of Epi on tumor cells by inhibiting the β2-AR-mediated activation of MAPK/ERK½.