Cepharanthine, A Regulator Of Keap1-Nrf2, Inhibits Gastric Cancer Growth Through Oxidative Stress And Energy Metabolism Pathway

Cepharanthine (CEP), a compound from Stephania Cephalantha Hayata, shows promise in inhibiting gastric cancer growth by inducing oxidative stress and altering energy metabolism pathways. In vitro, CEP reduced the activity of gastric cancer cell lines AGS and HGC27 by inducing apoptosis, causing G2 cell cycle arrest, and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. It modulates the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, enhancing the expression of Nrf2 target genes, which are crucial for oxidative stress response. CEP also affects energy metabolism by altering levels of key metabolic substances. In vivo studies with MFC BALB/c nude mice confirmed CEP's ability to significantly inhibit tumor growth, supporting its potential as a treatment for gastric cancer.