Sorafenib Affects Liver Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Regulating DJ-1-PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Objective: To assess sorafenib's role in regulating DJ-1-PTEN/PI3 K/AKT pathway and affecting the biological effects of liver cancer cells. Methods: Human normal liver HL-7702, liver cancer MHC97-L, and HCCLM3 cells were cultured in vitro to measure DJ-1 and PTEN expression. MHC97-L and HCCLM3 cells were treated with 0, 1.0, 2.0 M of sorafenib followed by analysis of cell viability by CCK-8, and DJ-1 and PTEN expressions by Western blot. MHC97-L cells were separated into control group, 2.0 M Sorafenib treatment group, Sorafenib + pcDNA3.1-Blank group, and Sorafenib + pcDNA3.1-DJ-1 group. Cell proliferation was assessed by flow cytometry and EdU staining. Results: Compared with HL-7702 cells, DJ-1 expression was significantly increased, while PTEN level was significantly declined in MHC97-L and HCCLM3 cells. Sorafenib treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation activity of MHC97-L and HCCLM3 cells. Different concentrations of sorafenib significantly downregulated DJ-1 expression and enhanced PTEN expression in MHC97-L cells. pcDNA3.1-DJ-1 transfection on the basis of sorafenib treatment significantly elevated DJ-1 and p -AKT levels, reduced PTEN expression, decreased cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell proliferation. Conclusion: Sorafenib downregulates DJ-1 expression and affects PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway activity to exert an anti-tumor effect that inhibits liver cancer cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis.